My Garden Life

Thankfulness: Feb 15-18

2011-02-18T10:43:00.000-05:00

Well, it's getting hard to get on here daily and post my thankfulness! So, rather than stress myself out and feel badly about not posting daily (I mean really; I set the rules for this, so I can change them if I need to, right?), I will post at least once a week. I'll still try to post daily when I can, but I'm taking the pressure off myself. Phew.

this week I've been thankful for the way God gets us through storms. last week was a hard week for our church family; the church's former pastor and father of many in the church, including the current pastor, died. Many in his family fought colds and the flu last week, but all were healthy by the time his service started on Friday. All family and church family were able to attend, which was/is a necessary part of processing through the grieving process. The Lord healed everyone in time for that service.

This week, just about all that man's family as well as almost the entire church is sick with one illness or another. While we know that it most likely is a temporary discomfort for everyone, it does bring regularly scheduled life to a halt. I'm so thankful that the all-wise God saved us all from sickness last week. And, that He'll get everyone through this week's illnesses.

Thankfulness: Feb 12-14

2011-02-14T12:45:00.000-05:00

This weekend and today, especially, I've been thankful for my Valentine.

Thankfulness: January 28-February 12

2011-02-12T14:53:00.000-05:00

As we're sitting on the couch, preparing to eat some nachos and catch up on CSI:NY, the Firefighter casually says, "So, you're about two weeks on your thankfulness blog. You know that, right?"
I do know that. The problem has been that so much has happened in these past two weeks that my attention was pulled away from my daily post about thankfulness. I still contemplated what I was thankful for each day, just didn't take the time to write it out. And because I've gradually become TWO WEEKS BEHIND, I didn't know how to catch up. So, the Firefighter, in his sage way, said "just do one catchup post". I said "how do I catch up on two weeks' worth of thankfulness?" and he said... "just be thankful for a thankfulness catchup post". and so, I am.

Thankfulness: January 27

2011-01-27T10:04:00.002-05:00

Today, I'm thankful that it's my birthday! It's always a day of celebration and time that I get to spend with my family. Hurray for birthday parties!

Thankfulness: January 26

2011-01-27T10:03:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for this promise:

Proverbs 18:10 "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."

Thankfulness: January 25

2011-01-25T13:46:00.000-05:00

There's a holiday this week. What, you didn't know about one? You aren't getting your festive decorations out, finishing your shopping, cooking up a storm? You haven't heard about it on the news, read about it in the papers? Well, maybe it's not the most well known holiday, but it certainly is a big one to me. it's my birthday this week. :) It's always such a fun day, full of family and good food, and very thoughtful gifts.

I've joined several e-clubs for restaurants in our area, and frequently receive coupons of some sort throughout the year. The biggest perk to e-clubs? The birthday coupons! This year, I have received coupons for FIVE- let me say it again- FIVE free meals at these different restaurants! How's that for making it even more fun to celebrate the big day?!

Last night we used one at Red Robin. We enjoy going there; there's always friendly service, the food's good, and it doesn't take long to get in, eat, and get out. Yesterday was a really cold day here in our great state, so most people scurried home after work to get their fires going and put another layer on. Did we do that? oh no. Instead we headed up the hill- to the windiest part of our city, might I add- to enjoy the first of many half price bills due to these coupons. The Firefighter and I had a great time eating, and had especially good service because there were only three tables occupied at the time. We were almost finished our meal when all of a sudden the waitstaff came marching through the restaurant, headed right for our table- and the line leader was carrying an ice cream sundae, complete with whipped cream and a cherry on top. I thought surely the Firefighter had told them it was my birthday, and they'd come over to sing the now-familiar birthday tune that each restaurant seems to think they must have in their repetoire. To my surprise, the Firefighter was as surprised as I! Apparently they'd figured out (not difficult) that it was my birthday month beacuse of the coupon I'd given our waiter. And instead of asking if we wanted dessert, they marched right over with my FREE ice cream sundae! Do you know how longit's been since a restaurant has given a free dessert for a birthday? A long, long time. There's a restaurant in my home town (well, in the next town over, but they're basically the same place) that gives a free sundae on your birthday. as I was an extra-special birthday gift to my aunt one yaer (I was born on her birthday), she and I always went to get our free sundaes on our birth day the whole time I lived at home. It was such a treat to get a (free) treat last night.

Today, I'm thankful for free sundaes. :)

Thankfulness: January 22-24

2011-01-25T13:37:00.000-05:00

We had such a fun weekend. We spent Saturday playing laser tag then going out to eat (at a restaurant I've waited 10 years to eat at, no less!) with a great group of friends. then, we stopped in to see my parents for a cup of coffee...which turned into a great visit and then going out to supper. Sunday we spent the day with our church family. We went to a couple's house for lunch and the afternoon and had a great time getting to know each other better. I was thankful all weekend for such a diverse group of friends that surround us. They come from all walks of life, all political and religious persuasions, and yet we are all able to enjoy each other's company, free of any type of animosity for anything. It's a blessed life!

Thankfulness: January 20-21

2011-01-21T14:31:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for this:

"The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." Colossians 1:15-20

Thankfulness: January 18-19

2011-01-20T11:17:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for our vehicle. Seriously. I don’t usually think to be thankful for them- I mean, I’m glad I have something to get me where I want to go, but I’ve never really appreciated them.

We have two vehicles, my Saturn and the Firefighter’s Jeep. The Saturn is the official Wondercar: it has over 300,000 miles on it and the body is still in (almost) perfect condition. It’s great on gas, it’s reliable, and it has a fantastic heater which is very important in Maine winters. The Saturn is the first and only vehicle I’ve ever bough, and it’s turned out to be a fantastic investment. We’re hoping to keep it going until it just can’t give any more.

The other vehicle is our Jeep. I never had experienced a four wheel drive vehicle before the Firefighter bought the Jeep before we were married…but I won’t be without 4WD again! We’ve gotten a lot of use out of that with the latest rash of snow storms we’ve had the past month. The Jeep is great for all our outdoorsy activities: it hauls our kayaks quite nicely, we fit all our camping gear in it. It’s the vehicle we use whenever anyone rides with us, so we’ve had lots of fun times and conversations there.

I’m thankful and appreciative of the two safe, reliable, and did I mention paid for??? vehicles that we have.

Thankfulness: January 17

2011-01-19T10:54:00.007-05:00

Today is my mom’s birthday. I really don’t think I’d be able to fully explain just how awesome Momm is. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve experienced what other people often talk about: how your mom becomes not just your mom, but also your friend. The Firefighter and I have been able to take a few trips with my parents over the past few years, and it’s so fun to just spend the time together, the four of us, enjoying each other as individuals, and not just in the parent/child relationship sense.

Mom is a Godly woman, a loving wife, a loving mother, a fantastic grandmother, a loyal friend, an honest opinion, a trusted confidant, a fun one to laugh with. She’s a good example of how to be all these things, and I’m so thankful I get to call her MY MOMM.

Thankfulness: January 18

2011-01-19T10:54:00.006-05:00

Well, another snowstorm is blowing through our great state today. And with it comes cancellations, postponed activities, slippery roads, people spending more time at home. The Firefighter and I enjoyed a nice, quiet snow evening (instead of snow day), tucked into our warm home, nice and safe. I’m thankful for moments like this, when all the activities quietly halt, and for a few hours, life is focused on loved ones and contentment.

Thankfulness: January 16

2011-01-19T10:53:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for the opportunity to have The Niece come stay with us for a few days. Or, as she said numerous times, “I am staying here for TWO NIGHTS”, and held up two little fingers to solidify just how many nights she’d be with us. We had the best time with her: we went sliding, we played with play dough, she took a bath (which she LOVES to do…I think it’s so she can play with bubbles), we spent lots of time cuddling, she watched Spongebob, we took her to church with us. She is such a smart little girl for her three and a half years. I think a lot of people say how smart their kid is, or their family children are, but she truly is smart. And quick witted, funny, clever, and always thinking and listening to what’s being said.

I am thankful for the time we got to enjoy her, learn more about her, and love on her.

Thankfulness: January 15

2011-01-15T12:11:00.001-05:00

The Firefighter and I spent most of yesterday with my grandparents on my Dad's side. I am so thankful that I still have grandparents; so many my age have already had to say goodbye to theirs. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to my Grampa Rogers almost two years ago, but memories of him are still very much alive.

I'm not only thankful that I have grandparents still in my life, but that they are still all able to get out and around and being actively enjoying life.

My grandparents came to Augusta and met us there. We went shopping (for my birthday!), went out to lunch, then they came back to our house and brought a tool they had for the Firefighter..and while they were here, discovered our refrigerator doors needed to be fixed, so Grampa and the Firefighter fixed them while Grammie and I looked on. It was a wonderful time to visit and be together, just the four of us. They used to be an almost daily part of my life all growing up, but since I moved away from my home area I haven't been able to see them as often as I, or they, would like. It's always extra sweet when we are able to be together.

Thankfulness: January 13 & 14

2011-01-15T12:07:00.000-05:00

We had a good old fashioned blizzard on the 13th! We got over 14" of snow here at the house. It was a true winter wonderland all across the state, and then the next day it was a sparkly, glittery world. Snow is so beautiful!

These days I was thankful for our safety on the roads to and from work and for the safety of those we love. And, I am thankful for SNOW!

Thankfulness: January 11 & 12

2011-01-12T13:56:00.000-05:00

I have been thankful these past few days that God always knows what's going on, even when nobody else, not even one single other person, knows.

There's been a lot of upheaval in our lives these past few weeks in areas that are outside of our control. Areas that we can do nothing about, but have quite a bit of impact on us, both personally and professionally. It at times has been very unnerving, very sobering, even..dare I say it?...scary at times. And we have been surrounded by people who are also affected by the upheaval, and they don't all have the same assurance of the One who really is in control. That unassurance has led to worry, frustration, even sometimes panic. And those things are very easy to "catch"!

Thankfully, in the quiet moments, I have been able to refocus (theme here?) and remember that the Lord, the Creator of this world that sees so much uncertainty and change, has the ultimate authority, and will only allow things to happen if they are within His will. And gradually, the reminder from those quiet moments begins to spread to other, more hectic, moments, and eventually that reminder became a banner of all the hours of my days. It was as if a sign had been posted for me to continually see that said, "I know what I am doing. You just need to rest and trust". And so, I am.

Our Christmas Card

2011-01-11T10:34:00.000-05:00

This year we decided to make our first ever photo Christmas card. It was SO much fun! We even got our kitty in on the project. :) She was pretty into having her picture taken, and we had probably an hourlong photo shoot. Then...we realized our photo quality wasn't high enough for our card. NO! So, we had Night Two photoshoot- and the kitty was less than impressed that she had to sit through it yet again. Poor thing. But we finally did get a good picture, and had such fun mailing them out to our card list. The cards were a big success!

Holly Frame Christmas Card

Turn your photos into personalized Christmas cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcNWrNy5Zt2biI

Thankfulness: January 10

2011-01-10T21:06:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for the outward signs of a loving relationship. The Firefighter sent me flowers at work today! The flowers are beautiful- my favorites, actually- and added such a bright spot to a tough Monday.

I'm so thankful for his thoughtfulness. For how he knew that I'd been having a hard past few weeks and sent me flowers to show me he'd been thinking about me and that he loves me enough to go out of his comfort zone and go order flowers at a florist. :) And I'm pretty thankful for beautiful pink tulips, too.

Thankfulness: January 8-9

2011-01-10T21:03:00.000-05:00

This weekend got away from me, and before I knew it it was time to go back to work today. I had a great time going to my sister's house Friday night and got to enjoy The Niece and Nephew (and their parents) for almost 24 hours. It was a wonderful visit, and a much needed change of pace.

This weekend made me even more thankful for free time, and the ability we have to choose what to do with it. I'm very happy with my free time choice this past weekend...and have lots more of it coming up. There's a 4 day weekend just waiting to be enjoyed at the end of this week!

Thankfulness: January 7

2011-01-07T10:25:00.001-05:00

Today I'm thankful for the freedom we have to travel as we'd like. I can just hop in the car and go wherever I want (as long as I have gas money and the time!). I know I take this for granted. There are many countries whose citizens don't even know what this freedom means, let alone will ever get to experience it in their lifetime.

Thankfulness: January 6

2011-01-07T10:23:00.003-05:00

Today, I'm thankful for a job that keeps me so busy and an evening so full of housework that I forgot to post today's thankfulness! :)

Thankfulness: January 5

2011-01-05T14:32:00.001-05:00

Foremost on most Mainers' minds today is the election of a new governor for our state. This governor is breaking Maine's decades old political norm: he is a Republican. And with him is coming a slue of change. A lot of it is needed, and even wanted. Most of it is making Mainers, and government officials, pretty nervous. But quite a bit of it is getting people excited. Finally, after years and years of the same old political wind blowing around, we're finally getting a breath of something new.

Today, I'm thankful that I live in a state where we not only have, but are entitled to, political freedom.

Thankfulness: January 4

2011-01-04T15:30:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful that the temperature is warmer in our office lately. This may not seem like something even worth thinking about to some people, but it's a huge relief from the chilly temps we had been having. I'm not sure why it has been so cold in the office in winters past, but it's made for some pretty long, cold days. I can't count how many days I sat at my desk with my fleece sweater over my legs, using it as a blanket. Now that's kind of crazy, I think!

Just this week it is a lot warmer in here. I'm not sure why...and I'm not going to question it. I'm just going to be thankful for it! (and give my fleece sweater a break)

Thankfulness: January 3

2011-01-03T14:06:00.001-05:00

I've decided that in 2011 I'm going to read through the Bible. I've never committed to reading through the Bible in a year before. Honestly...I never really liked the idea. Now don't get me wrong- I love the idea of committing to reading the entire Bible. It is, after all, our Sword against the Evil One, our daily bread, our comfort, our instruction manual for living the life God has given each of us. The study of the Word should absolutely should be a part of our every day life. But for whatever reason, I didn't like the idea of forcing myself to read chunks of Scripture at a time just to say I read through the Bible in one year. I'd rather study portions at a time and really dig the meat out of each section...I'd rather go to a chapter, a verse, a whole book, that pertains to the issue I'm facing at that moment.

So, as I considered the possibility of reading through the Bible in one year, I did it with all these thoughts in the back of my mind. And I decided to make a yearly commitment that so many "Good Christians" proudly proclaim they do every year...but with a twist.

I am going to read through my new chronological Bible in one year. This idea holds a lot of appeal for me, because I've never studied the Bible in chronological order. I think- no, I know- I'm going to learn a lot this year from my reading, which will actually be studying. I'm excited about this fresh take on a tired tradition that so often is just another notch on an established Christian's belt. (Boy that sounds cynical. And I guess it is. But I just have never heard someone say "ya know, I committed to reading through the Bible in a year, and I did it...and I actually enjoyed it! and learned from it!" it always seems people say "yeah, I said I'd read through the Bible in a year, but boy did I get bogged down in the geneologies, and gave up". Maybe if I heard just one person say that they enjoyed what they committed to doing, then I'd have a different view of this).

So what does this have to do with being thankful, you ask? I'm thankful today that I have so much freedom in my choice of how to study God's Word. And that no matter what course of study is pursued, I am promised that His Word will not return to Him empty.

Thankfulness: January 2

2011-01-02T15:02:00.001-05:00

Today I'm thankful for the variety of seasons that we get to enjoy in Maine. I'm thinking about this today as it's January 2, which for Maine usually means below freezing temperatures and lots of snow. However...yesterday it was in the upper 40s and today it's in the upper 30s. The foot of snow we got about a week ago has melted quite a bit, so much so that we saw several bare spots on people's lawns this morning on our way to church. Our own lawn is showing in spots. Just because this is the case today does not mean that we're going to have a mild rest of the winter though. We could get slammed with another foot of snow at any time. That's part of the fun of living in Maine- you never really know what you're going to wake up to for weather.

I'm thankful for the variety of weather we get. And I'm hoping for more snow for this winter, too. :)

Thankfulness: January 1

2011-01-01T10:20:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for the privilege of owning our own home. The Firefighter and I have done a lot of work on this place since we've been together. In fact, we were remodeling the place even before we were married and I'd moved in!

I often lament the fact that the house isn't the biggest, and that it isn't as close to my family as I'd like, and that it's a bit too far from our church and church family. Instead, I need to choose to be thankful that we have a warm, dry, safe place to live. That it's our own, thanks to our hard work. That we have the freedom to do whatever we want to the house to make it our own. That it's a place where we have welcomed many friends and family over the years. That we have shared so much laughter within these walls. We have together fought through hard times here in the privacy of our home, and have found comfort and rest here.

Today, I'm thankful for my home. May it continue to be a place where God comes first, our friends and family are warmly welcomed, and love and kindness are a consistent part of our days.

A Year of Thankfulness

2011-01-01T10:14:00.000-05:00

Every day this past November, I focused on one thing I was thankful for. It was a great way to focus (do I see a theme here) on all the blessings in my life. I've been thinking about that, and how it's not something I should do just once a year, but rather should have an attitude of thankfulness at the forefront all the time.

I've declared 2011 the Year of Thankfulness. I am making it my goal to focus on one thing I am thankful for every day of this new year. It's quite a goal, and will take determination to see it through. I'm going to challenge myself to post my thankfulness here, so that I can go back over the year and see how much I really do have to be thankful for.

Happy New Year to you! Here's to a year full of refocusing and thanksgiving.

Sharpening My Focus

2010-12-28T14:52:00.000-05:00

For the past month or so I’ve slowly begun to realize that I’ve lost my focus. I don’t mean that I’ve lost my focus in the sense that I don’t know where I’m going or what I’m doing or I’m unable to concentrate on anything. My problem, I’m finding, is that I can’t focus on just one thing at a time. Here are a few examples of what I’m talking about:

At work: I’m on the computer all day. Almost all my tasks come to me via email, which is fine; I love the efficiency of email. But I also like to multi task. Which is fine…to a point. The Firefighter and I got smart phones a few months ago, and since then, I have it sitting on my desk at work (charging most of the time, because the battery dies so often!). So, while I’m checking my work emails and beginning a project, I often also have my phone in my hand, checking Facebook or texting or reading home emails. And I’m doing all this while I’m answering the phone and trying to do paperwork. Not the optimal attention to detail that my job- or really any job- requires.

At home: We have a laptop with a wireless connection, which is fantastic. I can’t imagine being tied to a desktop computer any more. But having a laptop means it can be used in any room at any time. This usually translates to being used in the living room, where the TV is often on. And the Firefighter is often found. Mix all this together and you get the perfect storm: distracted television watching, conversation that lacks depth, quality, or even interest, which leads to frustration by one or both parties.

Anywhere where there’s lots of people: Whenever I’m in a group of people that I know, I always want to visit with everyone. With my newly discovered focus problem, this often leads to broken conversations, incoherent responses, frustration for the speaker and the listener, disappointment on the speaker’s part because I’m not 100% committed to the present conversation, and ultimately, a less-than-fulfilling visit with someone.

I can’t devote my entire attention to anything when I’m trying to do a little bit of everything.

And so, as the old school paper writing lessons say, identify the problem and develop strategies to address it.

I’ve identified the problem quite readily. The strategy? Sharpen my focus. When I’m at work, focus on the task at hand. If I get a text message, wait until I’m at a good stopping point to respond- and even read!- it. When I’m at home, make the Firefighter my priority for all things conversational and attention-taking. Put the laptop away if we’re watching TV together. Shut the TV off if I’m home already when he gets home. When I’m in social settings, show the person I’m talking with that he/she and what he/she has to say really is important to me- and listen. Don’t try to catch someone else’s eye because I need to talk to them, too. Don’t try to listen to another conversation while I’m trying to carry on my own (I can’t imagine I’d EVER do that….). In essence, be present in the present. Completely.

This is my goal, starting today. Can I do it? Yes…if I give the situation my full attention.

Shutterfly's Holiday Card Promotion

2010-11-23T10:19:00.002-05:00

I am an avid blog reader. Every day I have a list of blogs I check, waiting eagerly for the page to load and reveal a new blog post. It’s kind of sad how sad I get when the blog hasn’t been updated. :)

A few days ago I was reading one of my “dailies” and discovered that Shutterfly is giving away 50 free holiday cards to bloggers! WOW!

I have heard so many positive things about Shutterfly. A family member who is an avid photographer swears her allegiance to Shutterfly; they’re the only site she trusts her photos to for storage and for getting really high quality prints.

I must say I have never used Shutterfly. I love taking pictures and love the idea of creating so many neat gifts with them, but just never did it. When I read about Shutterfly’s promotion, I got excited. This would be the chance I’ve been waiting for to try out Shutterfly for myself!

I clicked the blog’s link to Shutterfly’s page, and immediately was drawn into the really large variety of cards and gift ideas that are available there. Take a peek...

They have beautiful Christmas cards- I think this one is particularly adorable.

Their holiday cards are so nicely done- this one is one of my favorites.

Their Christmas photo cards look like they are such great quality! Wouldn't you love getting one like this in your mailbox this season?

I'm seriously thinking about getting one of these personalized mugs for my desk at work. My niece and nephew's shiny little faces would be a perfect fit. :)

If only I had known about these birthday party invitation cards when planning the Firefighter's latest birthday party! I'd have used this one, for sure. It'd be so fitting as he's such a history buff.

I am a huge fan of throwing a Christmas dinner party. Last year was the first annual Nichols' Christmas Dinner Party, and I can't wait for the second annual one this year. It's so fun to make it into a real event. I think I'm giong to use this holiday invitation to send to everyone on my guest list this year.

This is by far my favorite product- isn't it so classy?

If you're interested in making up some Christmas cards using Shutterfly's exemplary services, check out the information here: http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/ . I'm also going to chat about this on my Facebook page. I want to spread the free card love!

I'm off to find my favorite photo of the Firefighter and I to use for this year's Christmas card. How delightful!

Back again!

2010-11-19T10:21:00.003-05:00

Yet again, it's been a long time since I've been on here. We've been busy with a staycation (did I really just say that?), niece and nephew, family time, family surgeries, trips, celebrations, and life in general. 2010 has been an OK year- nothing too exciting, nothing horrific happened- just kind of an average year. I'm hoping 2011 will end up coming in with lots more exciting things!

The Firefighter and I are settling into our new church and L.O.V.I.N.G. it. The pastor and his family are fantastic people, and the church family is so welcoming. It's really been amazing to see what a great fit the church is for us. We're working on our Christmas play right now; that will be performed December 13. It's hard to believe we're scheduling Christmas things again!

That's all for today- I hope to get back into a regular bloggin routine. We'll see. :)

New Years Day Breakfast Pizza

2010-01-02T16:55:00.004-05:00

I am so thankful to see a new year ushered in! 2009, like any year, had its share of happy times and challenging times. For some reason, that year seemed to weigh a little more heavily on the challenging times side. As a result, I breathed a sigh of relief when I woke up on January 1, 2010- a new year with it's own set of memories, both good and bad I'm sure, but now I can officially say "last year..." about 2009.

I decided to start the year off with something new. For a while now I've been an avid reader of several blogs, most especially of cooking blogs. There's the girl smitten with her kitchen , the one who creates lots of last night's dinners that the Firefighter and I wouldn't eat but I still enjoy reading about, and one who combines some poetic license and cake type in her blog name. I thought it would be fun to record some of the things that come out of my own kitchen. It probably won't be a daily occurance, and certainly won't be any gourmet food productions, but it will be an honest look at how one gal can concoct food, hopefully delicious most days, in a small space with fairly "normal" ingredients (normal to us anyway).

In my menu planning for this week, I thought it'd be fun to start the new year with a riff on a classic-pizza. Breakfast pizza is one of the Firefighter's new favorites, and I'm pretty fond of it myself, so on the menu it went. Much to the Firefighter's chagrin however, I decided to use wheat pizza dough; he's a white pizza dough kinda guy. Thankfully, he gave it a chance- and has declared that wheat pizza dough can be added to the regular pizza dough rotation. New year changes are abounding in our household already!

New Years Day Breakfast Pizza

1pizza dough ball (I bought mine at the grocery store deli; if you'd rather, make your own)

4 eggs

2-3 cups mozerella cheese

Your choice of toppings: bacon, ham, onions, peppers, mushrooms, sausage. I went with meat lovers pizza, ham and bacon, this time.

scant teaspoon cornmeal

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Prep your pizza baking dish- I use a pizza stone for all my pizza makings. Spread cornmeal on baking dish.

Stretch the pizza dough to get it big enough to cover your dish. If you have a difficult time stretching it to full size, let it rest a few minutes after initial stretching, then resume. Be sure to form a good pizza crust around the edge of the dough to keep the eggs contained.

Beat the eggs in a separate bowl; pour onto crust. Top with cheese, then toppings.

Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the outside crust sounds hollow when you tap it.

Enjoy!

A Little Bit About Me

2009-11-02T13:35:00.002-05:00

As I was blog surfing the other day, I came across this fun survey. I thought, "Hey, it's been so long since I posted anything on my blog that even this is better than another day of nothing new!"

1. What is your favorite thing to snack on while you're blogging? My favorite thing to snack on any time, period, is tortilla chips. And if there happens to be homemade salsa to go with it, so be it. Or bean dip. or ranch dressing. or...

2. What is one thing you wouldn't want to live without? My glasses.

3. Beach, Mountains, or Farm? Mountains to live, mountains or beach to vacation

4. What's your least favorite chore/household duty? taking care of clean clothes! Ugh!

5. Who do people say you remind them of? If I'm with my sister, then her, because they say we look alike (not as much now as we used to though!) A lot of people say I look like my dad. Others say I look like my grandmother. Still others say my mannerisms are a lot like my other grandmother. So, I guess I remind people of lots of people!

6. Prefer parties and socializing or staying home? Almost always parties and socializing. I especially like socializing in my own home.

7. What's your all time favorite movie? Phew boy. Like, can only ever pick one movie to watch for the rest of my life? I can never pick just one. How about the top three? My Fair Lady, original version (ala Audrey Hepburn), Gone in 60 Seconds for my adrenaline/car fix, and Mathew McCoughney gift set (whatever movies of his are included are fine with me!). And Devil Wears Prada. And Something's Gotta Give.

8. Do you sleep in your make-up or remove it like a good little girl every night? I always remove it. Just ask the Firefighter. "What ELSE do you have to do before we go to bed?!"

9. Do you have a deep desire to learn something that you've never had a chance to learn? I'd love to learn to play the saxophone and violin. And also how to properly bind a quilt.

10. What's one thing you're really good at? Sensing direction- not north/south/east/west (very bad at that), but what direction I'd need to go to return from where I came. Get it? Or where I'm at in relation to something else.

1. What first attracted you to your spouse? His hotness. And then once we met in person, his nose. :)

12. What is something you love to smell? lavender vanilla linen spray from Bath and Body Works. Mmmmm

13. Tell something about you that you know irritates people. My attention to detail. Ahem. :)

14. When you have extra money, what's the first thing you think to do with it? Shoes!

15. Are you a silent laugher or a loud laugher? Oh please- are there any silent laughers in my family? Loud laugher, at your service! What's the point of a quiet laugh? Nobody knows you're having fun that way.

16. Where is your favorite place to shop? Nine West for shoes. Grocery store for general shopping.

17. What's one thing you'd do more often if you had more time? visit people

18. Are you a big spender or frugal? Frugal

19. Who is your favorite character of all time? Santa Clause.

20. Would you want to be famous? I htink I'd enjoy it, actually.

Summer

2009-08-25T14:54:00.002-04:00

We have had a most fantastic summer so far this year. It didn't start off so great weatherwise- it rained, rained, rained all of late spring right through mid July. Finally- ooooooh so slowly- the rain started to subside, and we actually had a few sunny days. Then, about the beginning of August, summer decided to grace us with her presence- and she arrived in full force. The three H's could be found everywhere- hazy, hot, and humid. But after months of everyone complaining about the rain, no one had any patience for anyone complaining about the summer weather we'd been longing for.
The Firefighter and I have had quite a fun summer. Last summer, we kind of pushed ourselves too much, staying busy not only on weekends, but also week nights. Now that may be fine if it's just one or two people who rent a tiny apartment and have nothing to do to keep a house up- or their energy- but we decided not to do it again.
This summer, we've done probably more than we've done before since we've been married, but it's been way more relaxed and so much more enjoyable. Somehow- somehow- I've managed to stay on top of most household chores. IE laundry's been done regularly, new bathroom is kept clean, dust kitties haven't turned into dust lions- it's been a good feeling to keep the house- mostly- and still do so much.
We kicked off the summer with the annual Rogers Family Gathering over the 4th of July. It was a rainy, dreary weekend, but we managed to find enjoyment in each other, if not in the weather. We then rested for a weekend, then took the Firefighter's mom camping at a local campground. That campground has become our favorite go-to place for a fun, easy, restful but full of activity weekend. We kayaked and fished, and ate, and kayaked some more, and rested. It was great.
The next weekend we headed out on the Great Wilderness Adventure. Silly ole me decided it would be fun to try this "wilderness camping" that the Firefighter raves about. "It's so great", he says; "we'll load up our borrowed kayaks or canoe with alllll the stuff we'll need for the weekend, which by the way can't include any more than one pair of pants a piece and 3 pieces of stale bread to live off of, a tarp to wrap up in while we sleep, and an ax to find firewood and fight off wilderness creatures". Oh yeah right- way to sell me. (OK maybe he didn't say it EXACTLY like that, but it's what I pictured).
Well, turns out- he was right! And, we didn't stick to 1 outfit and 3 pieces of bread a piece. We actually went with friends of ours, who- bless their whole bodies, not just their souls, as people usually say- had an 18 foot boat at their disposal. Ah, things began looking up! So, we piled tent, food, chairs, fishing gear, stoves, lanterns, tarps, 4 adults, 2 kids, 1 dog, and a partridge in a pear tree in that boat, and off we went on Lobster Lake to find our wilderness campsite.
Might I just say that I expected a little field that we had to cut the grass down to set up our tent, finding rocks to make a fire pit, and using the nearest big bush for our bathroom. Ohhh no- we had a big fancy double-picnic table setup, very nice stone fireplace, fanciest outhouse I've ever seen, and a beautiful view. It wasn't really roughing it at all! The weather did kind of stink- that rain again- and the mosquitos were always ready to attack, but we had a fantastic time. And, I caught my very first fish. Can't beat it.
Then we took a few days off to rest up...and headed to South Carolina! The Firefighter's nephew is in the Navy, and is stationed there for his training. So, we took a short vacation and mixed in a visit with him. Perfect trip- Firefighter fell in love with the place, saw lots and enjoyed the HEAT, visited with his nephew, and just had a ball. He's already posted his resume and who knows what the future holds. I can get used to saying "y'all" , I guess.
Then we took a few more days off... a few weeks, actually, and really enjoyed being home. In that time, we were in the local parade- I rode in the fire engine with the FF-- wayyy cool; went to Old Orchard Beach a few times, started canning what little produce we got from our sorely-rain-damaged garden, went to an outdoor concert in OOB again with my folks and enjoyed the pure summerness of it, and cleaned out the house. A good purging of CRAP- I mean, junk- periodically is so necessary no matter where anyone lives.
So, we've had a rest, and are now headed out for the rest of our summer. This weekend is camping with my family at Littlefield Beaches, the campground we've been going to for years because- well, it's just too awesome to not make it a habit; then we're headed to Black Brook Cove for some more camping in the boonies, but this time at an actual campground with people around. People we know, no less.
It's going to be great- I can't wait! Pictures will come soon of the great adventures.

I Failed

2009-07-02T13:21:00.002-04:00

I was coming out of the Walmart drive today at lunchtime, where there are 4 lanes of traffic, and there, standing on the little tiny island between the 4 lanes, was a man holding a sign that said "homeless hungry". And as I watched him, he looked so sad. He was so thin with dirty clothes on, and his eyes looked so hopeless. I was immediately struck with the depravity of his situation and started crying. I was in the farthest lane away from him, and traffic was really heavy so I couldn't get over to him- I was trying to think what I'd bought for groceries that I could give him, and the only thing he could really eat quickly and without need preparation or a stove were the 24 hot dog buns I bought, and yes it would fill an aching hole, but how nutritious would it be? So I drove away, and was debating if I should go buy him lunch and take it back to him.

I was having a real internal battle about it; my excuses were "I'm alone, I don't know if he'll try to hurt me if I go back, how do I really know he's homeless", and all I could think was "feed the hungry. What would my Jesus do?" Now I never use that phrase- it is just so cliche so normallyu meaningless to a Jesusless world, but that's what was going through my head. So the battle waged all the way back to my office-3 miles- and I pulled in the parking lot and called my Firefighter, who of course was away from his phones. So I sat there and cried and just couldn't get the homeless man out of my mind. Finally I realized that my lunchbreak was over and I had to go back to my office; Iwas feeling so horrible that I hadn't helped that man. Then my Firefighter called back.

I broke down again on the phone with him and told him what happened, and he said he would go up and take a lunch to him. The Firefighter was at work and had already taken his day's lunch break, but he said that he would go. He went to McDonalds and bought a quarter pounder meal to take up to the man.

I am so thankful for him doing that... and yet I feel like I missed a major opportunity by being too chicken to do it myself. In the past I have ALWAYS thought "get a job, ya bum" when I see people holding those signs- but this time it was completely different. My heart was, still is, broken for that man. He looked so lost. I think it's going to take me a long time to get over this- and I kind of hope I don't. My mind is wondering "where will this take me?", this initial broken heartedness for those so less fortunate than I. I had just bought $60 worth of groceries- and he had nothing.
So that's my story today. It's like his face has been burned onto my mind. I want to go running back to him and say "come with me! I'll clean you up and get you warm and full, then tell you about Jesus's constantly fulfilling love". I want to show him what true love is, and how he can never say he's truly hungry again. I want to be Jesus's hands to this man.

I missed out.

Dinnah is Served

2009-03-12T15:12:00.002-04:00

Ah, menu planning, how I love thee.

But seriously. I find great joy in taking my weekly grocery budget allotment, figuring out what the Firefighter and I feel like eating for the next week, surfing the grocery store sales flyers, and meshing it all together to get a menu plan that fits in that week's budget. I'm still trying to get the hang of remembering to read the sales flyers and then planning my meals around them BEFORE I go grocery shopping. Most of the time I just figure out what would be good to eat and make it fit the budget.

Someone asked recently which grocery store I went to for my regular shopping. I must say I have no grocery store loyalty. I will hit up which ever store has the best sales that week. Most of the time I stick with trusty Hannaford; their prices really are lower than the more elite Shaws. BUT Shaws has some super sales! Why, just 2 weeks ago, they had Breyers ice cream BOGO! (In case you don't know, BOGO stands for Buy One Get One free. You should hear the Firefighter yell BOGO- it's a hoot.) So we stocked up on the ole ice cream- a staple in the Nichols' household. Their 10 for $10 sales are pretty good too, but you have to know your grocery prices in order to really make sure you're getting the best price. And as Mom says- ALWAYS check the store brand price against a name brand price- just because it's store brand does NOT mean it's cheaper!

Right now I'm trying to figure out what our menu will be for this next week. I'm having a bit of trouble, because I don't know when we'll be home to eat, with everything going on with the family right now. A request has been put in for BCC (yes I know, more lingo- Broccoli Cheddar Chowder), and that sounds pretty good and simple, so that'll show up at some point I'm sure. I'm also thinking it's time for skillet lasagna- can't link to the recipe because I don't remember where it came from.

The nice thing about menu planning is that after grocery shopping with a list based on the meals I'm planning to fix that week, I know that I have every ingredient I need in the house for any meal on my list (which is posted on the side of the fridge, right beside the weekly budget list). Then, if on, say, Tuesday night, we don't feel like eating what I scheduled for Tuesday- no big deal! I know I have the stuff for, say, what's on Thursday's agenda and we feel like eating on Tuesday. It's kind of like eating at a restaurant every night- we get to pick what we want to eat!

Time for a Plan

2009-02-26T13:40:00.002-05:00

And once again, it's been a while since I've blogged. But I'm back- yay!

One of the things I enjoy most in my role of wife right now is budgeting and menu planning. Last summer, we took Dave Ramsey's 13 week Financial Peace University (FPU) class. If you haven't heard about it, or want more information, go to his website. I never thought I'd say this- but his steps for getting in control of our finances have changed our lives. Totally changed the way we look at money. Totally changed the way we handle our money! Hence, the Total Money Makeover title, I'm guessing. (there- did I give you enough chances to click the link to visit his page?)
As a result, we develop a monthly budget, and then break it down into a weekly budget, based on the tools we learned at FPU. I LOVE MAKING UP OUR BUDGET! It thrills me to no end, apparently, how I'm able to take our monthly income, divided it down into what it has to be used for, make a very organized plan for it, and then stick to the plan. THe first few months of budgeting were not easy. Actually, the first month was sheer torture- I hated it. the Firefighter and I fought about it quite a bit. We had some of our biggest arguments when we were trying to do the budget together- I'm talking raised voice, unhappy faces, finally someone leaves the room arguments. Yeah, nothing to be proud of.
BUT.
We finally figured out that us sitting down and working out the budget together was not working- and it was OK to change how we did it! So, after a few trial and errors, we discovered that it worked really well for me to draw up the monthly budget, break it down into a weekly budget, and then have the Firefighter review it. At that point, changes can be made by either of us once we've talked the proposed budget through. Then, I finalize the budget. At that point, it doesn't change unless there's something super major going on. As I type this, I can't think of a month when I've changed the monthly budget- I've definitely had to rework a weekly budget here or there, but for the most part, we've been getting better at sticking to the plan.
The little step I added on my own has been a huge help to us. Either the day before or day of each of payday, I sit down with that coming week's budget, take a sticky note, and write out all the things we'll be using our money for that week. I then take that sticky note with me to the bank, when I get out our cash for the week, and then it gets stuck to the side of the refrigerator. That way, we have a super quick reference to look at when we're trying to remember what we're doing with our money that week. It's really a great addition to an already good plan!
* I will now give major props to the Firefighter. When we first started budgeting, we had paperwork all over the place- budget paperwork, bills, calculator, pencil, everything was scattered. The Firefighter came up with the perfect solution- an expandable folder! We went to the store, and found an expandable folder that has 12 slots in it. I then made up tabs for January through December, labeled each slot, and voila! We now have our budget folder! In the front of it sits the calculator, several pencils, a pen, envelopes, our return address labels, post it notes, and a full year's worth of our 2 budget forms we use. Then, when I do the monthly budget, I take that months' budget paperwork, all the bills we will pay that month, and stick them in that month's slot. All the rest of hte bills that will be paid the next month, or bills that are ongoing, get put in the next month's slot. That way, only things I will be paying are in the current month's slot. It is an incredible system. The Firefighter is, once again, so incredibly smart! :)

So that's our budget plan. We both love it. I can't say enough good things about it. The FPU plan has helped 2 of my cousins get out of debt- they're both just a few years older than I am- can you believe it? And my goal is that by the end of 2009, we'll be joining the debtfree ranks. It may not happen, but it's the goal.

Wow. this was going to be about budgeting and then menu planning. Guess I'll have to wait til the next post to tell you about my love of a good week's menu plan! :)

A New Year

2009-01-09T16:10:00.002-05:00

Well! We've begun a new year. Again. How is that possible?
I am very excited about this year. It holds lots of promise, I feel. It's already begun on a way slower pace than recent years, and I'm hoping it will continue that way. There's the possibility- a little bit bigger than "slim" possibility- that by this time next year, the Firefighter and I will be debt free, or at least so close we can touch it with our fingertips! YAY! Thank you, Dave Ramsey!! We get the joy of watching the Niece and Nephew grow a little bit older this year; by next Christmas I imagine the Niece will call me "Laura" instead of "Wawa"...which makes me a little sad. But Mason just may pick up the Wawa that the Niece leaves behind! We get to celebrate our third anniversary- yowsa. We'll be the first ones to tell you that this marriage thing aint easy, but if both partners work really hard and make it a priority, it doesn't need to be as tough as some people make it out to be.
There will be some hard times that are anticipated already- times of loss, and sadness. But there will hopefully be some very good times- times of eager expectancy and joy. Several babies will be born this year, belonging to cousins who are close like sisters.
So, I look forward to 2009. The good times more than the bad times, but the bolstering fact is this: with such a loving, supportive family, immediate and extended, the good times will be so much "more good", and the bad times won't be quite so bad.

Life, and the truth that goes with it

2008-11-17T13:03:00.004-05:00

We never know what's going to happen from one day to the next, do we?

When I posted the song by Twila Paris on November 4th, I fully believed those words: God IS in control. He knows all, sees all, is all, is in control of all. His ways are not our ways, and we are not going to understand a lot of why He does what He does, and allows to happen the things He does.

The Firefighter and I, with awesome support from our families and friends, have been through a serious set of events over the past week and a half. While it's something that I don't feel needs to be broadcast all over the Internet, it was a major life event, especially for the Firefighter and I. It was a hard time, one full of concern, pain, questions that will find no answers in this life.

However.

God was still in control. He never got off His throne. He never turned his back on us and said, "Deal with this on your own". He stayed right beside us, holding us through the scary times and has started healing our wounded and sore hearts and body. He is a faithful God, and has promised that He will not give us, me, more than I can handle. Thank you, Lord, for that promise. I am trusting You.

Psalm 37:3-9 I love this version of these verses- especially how it interprets the end of verse 3, and verse 7

Psalm 56: 3-4 What a promise. A foundation assuring promise.

Election Day: God is in Control

2008-11-04T10:03:00.005-05:00

"This is no time for fear

This is a time for faith and determination

Don't lose the vision here

Carried away by emotion

Hold on to all that you hide in your heart

There is one thing that has always been true

It holds the world together

God is in control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken

God is in control

We will choose to remember and never be shaken

There is no power above or beside Him, we know

God is in control, oh God is in control

History marches on

There is a bottom line drawn across the ages

Culture can make its plan

Oh, but the line never changes

No matter how the deception may fly

There is one thing that has always been true

It will be true forever

He has never let you down

Why start to worry now?

He is still the Lord of all we see

And He is still the loving Father

Watching over you and me..."*

Do not forget- God is still on His throne, and He can't be voted off it. He is in control over all elections today!

*Lyrics by Twila Paris, "God is in Control"

"It's been a long, long time.."

2008-10-30T14:37:00.003-04:00

WOW I can't believe it's been since September that I've posted anything on here! It's certainly not for lack of things to talk about...that never seems to be a problem. Apparently there hasn't been enough time to do it. Several people have been asking me when I'd be putting something new up here, so I guess it's time I got back on the wagon. So to speak.

Here are a few of the things I've been doing while I've NOT been posting...
1. Had a grueling week-long assessment at work. That was not for the faint of heart, let me tell you! Fortunately all went well, and it's OVER. With another one coming next spring. Ugh.

2. Went to the Fryeburg Fair! Please do not tell me that you read my blog and don't know what Fryeburg Fair is, have never been there due to lack of interest, or just don't like fairs in general. Spare me that pain. We were there the first weekend, then back up for the last weekend. A true escape from reality, as Momm calls it! It's a Maxfield, and now Huggins and Nichols, family tradition to be at the fair as much as possible. So many memories..so little blogspace.

3. Went to see Beth Moore live, in Durham, NH! She has allowed God to use her so mightily, and she is quick to give Him all the glory for what comes through her ministry. I had the added pleasure of taking the trip with a wonderful friend from church, which made the experience that much more special. I'm currently reading "A Heart Like His", her book-adapted-from-her-Bible-study on the life of Saul/Paul. Fantastic reading!

4. Had a work weekend at my parents' house, getting them ready for winter and an inspected vehicle. It was an extra- special weekend as both sets of my grandparents were there. Those times have become even more special lately.

5. Co-threw (seriously. Is that a word??) with Momm a baby shower for my sister! She, at that time, was expecting baby #2- a boy! She got many nice things, most of them blue, to prepare her for his arrival.

6. Waited for the Nephew's arrival.

7. And waited.

8. And waited.

9. FINALLY, on this past Friday, October 24, Mason Timothy arrived in this world! He is a very healthy and handsome boy, and Mama is doing well also. Momm and I were privileged to be there for his birth. It was the weirdest thing I've ever seen in my life. But I'm so glad the mama said we could be in there.

10. Spent lots of time wondering what to do with a baby that's a boy. As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm from a family where overwhelmingly there is more pink than blue. And we're not taking the light fluffy delicate pink- oh no, we're talking screaming electric fuschia pink, baby! We are proud of our womanhood! So I've been wondering how my sister would know what to do with a baby boy. And I'm reading a book right now on how to be an aunt to a boy. Seriously people- I'm at a major loss.

11. Saved myself from serious bewilderment for a few minutes and played pocketbooks with the Niece. "Train up a child in the way SHE should go..." Aunt Laura felt much better after that.

12. The Firefighter and I decided to build a new bathroom in our house! He can do just about anything he sets his mind to, and thankfully has experience in building/remodelling, so starting tonight- yes people, tonight- he begins to demolish a portion of our porch and begins building our new and VASTLY improved bathroom! Thank you, Firefighter, for seeing how important this is, and making it happen. Come Christmas... or as he always says after I say that, "hopefully by the end of the year", I'll be ridiculously happy bathing in a new- and NOT BLUE- bathroom.

13. We bought oil for $3.74 a gallon- thankfully we didn't lock into a price plan this year, like so many others did. We'll be filling the tank shortly, with prices hovering around $3 a gallon- we didn't see that last winter even! So much for the media's cry of "PANIC OVER YOUR OIL!!". Pfffft.

Well, I think that's enough catch-up for now. There were lots of other things that went on, including warm dinners with close friends, near and far, an extending of our arms as we welcomed a fun, new group of people into our home and life, and a few new recipes that I won't be making again.

Let me leave you with a picture of the Nephew. Isn't he handsome?!

Summer Days Part Two

2008-09-09T09:19:00.004-04:00

When the Firefighter and I went on our honeymoon, we went to a little mountain cabin on the side of a hill in Northfield, Vermont. We absolutely loved it and have talked about it frequently since then. We decided that our vacation this summer would be spent back in that cabin. So, we took a long Labor Day weekend and headed over. We did all the "must do" Vermont things: Cabot cheese factory (please do not ever tell me you don't like cheese- I'd rather just be blissfully ignorant that there is anyone who could utter such words), Cold Hollow Cider Mill and had cider donuts, went to Quechee Gorge, where I fell in love with Danforth Pewter, watched a glass blowing demonstration, ate more Cabot cheese, and scoured the gigantic antique mall. We went to Northfield's Labor Day weekend blowout event- which ended up being a bust in our minds. We were expecting a great huge event, but it was several little tents set up selling local people's junk (glorified yard sale), several food booths, and a big yard sale at the local fire department. At least the Firefighter got to see their firetrucks, and just about fell over when he found a Gaithers Homecoming board game. I wanted to end the trip at that point- it had been a pretty slow day, and him finding a boardgame about a Southern Gospel singing group was the final straw. He was ecstatic. I was dumbfounded someone spent the time to make something like that.

We then drove up onto a ridge and watched the sunset. It was so beautiful up there.

One of our very favorite...ahem...new adventures that we've decided to do during our lifetime is visit the gravesite of every US President. I was all for the idea as it meant travel throughout the country. On this trip we hit gravesite #2: Calvin Coolidge. It took us a little while to find it; we had to stop and ask directions at the Calvin Coolidge historical village- and there was no parking space to be found! Who knew it'd be such a popular spot! IT really was a pretty little village, frozen in time. Thankfully we got directions to the cemetery and soon marked this site off our list.

So, we had a good weekend away. We were glad to get home on Monday night, but all in all it was a good end of summer trip.

Summer Days

2008-09-09T08:57:00.007-04:00

Summer is almost over. The leaves are quietly changing their colors, daylight is giving in to darkness more easily, there's that specific fall chill in the air most mornings now. I have mixed feelings about this time of year. Fall is my absolute favorite season- I love everything about it. Colors, smells, fairs, apples, baking, sweaters, warm pajamas... but it also means the end of summer- no more swimming, shorts, sunburns, beach days, camping, gardens to tend, long summer evenings spent outdoors.

So, as sort of a last hurrah for summer, I'm posting pictures of the recent ventures of the Firefighter and I. We've had a busy last few weeks of August, soaking up all the summer we could.

Our first adventure was camping, just the two of us, in a tent. Mind you, it's our new tent, and we both love it, so I've come to appreciate tent camping as opposed to camper camping. That's still my favorite, but this tent camping thing is OK too.

We went to a campground in Union that has a separate camping area for tenters. We walked over a bridge over a dribbly little stream, full of big boulders, and continued up a path strewn with tree roots, and finally reached our tentsite, which was right on the edge of the lake. This was the view the first morning there:

Not too bad, huh? We slept until we couldn't sleep any more, then got up and started a breakfast of bacon, eggs, and corned beef hash. All cooked by the Firefighter in our little hibatchi grill. Which, he found out, had one problem:

Yes, that's a hole in the bottom of the grill. But, being the Firefighter Extraordinaire that he is, he found a way to make it work, by piling kindling in the stove and putting the charcoal on top of that. IT was great! He then proceeded to make our bacon- YUM

Then, after we ate, and cleaned up, we got ready for our day, then left to go yard saling- and found out it was only 8:45!! Apparently when you tent, you get up earlier than usual. As a result, this was a needed activity that afternoon:

Pretty good, huh? This came after an arduous late morning kayaking trip into what we dubbed the Everglades of Maine. We had beautiful weather and a very restful time.

Next post: Labor Day Weekend in Vermont! Stay tuned!

Rest

2008-08-22T13:44:00.002-04:00

As I roamed about my list of blogs I check fairly regularly, I came across this post. I was so moved by it. No, I don't have any children, but I've seen enough of them soothed to sleep that I can understand the beginning of this one. And the rest of the story- well, it speaks of rest. Deep, reassured, foundational rest.
Read about it here.
May you know the abiding rest.

2008-08-12T14:14:00.003-04:00

I always used to be drawn to the kitchen when growing up. I loved to bake or cook, or be there while Mom was working her magic over our daily food. I'd kind of gotten away from that love in the past few years, but have recently re-discovered it. I'm not sure what brought it on. Was it having people over for supper and not wanting to make the same old thing? Was it wanting something sweet, but sick and tired of brownie mixes? Just what was it?
And my cooking selections certainly have been made deliberately, after long-thought through planning, since being married, so as to please the Firefighter's most picky palate.
(OK funny tidbit: I wasn't sure how to spell "palate", so looked it up. One of the choices that popped up was "pallette"; so I checked it...and the meaning is "one of the plates at the armpits of a suit of armor". The Firefighter's not that picky about his suit of armor pieces).
Anyhoo.
One of the biggest struggles I have in the summer months is trying to find meals using the abundance of fresh produce available to us, that the Firefighter will actually eat. No easy task, let me tell you! I can't serve zucchini, summer squash (might I say these are NOT the same- they're definitely different in texture and taste), broccoli, beet greens, cauliflower, on and on, and know that he'll eat them.
So, I've decided that I can just make the things that I want to eat that showcase the most delicious summer vegetables, and bring that food with me for my lunch during the workweek. Brilliant if I do say so myself! We'll still eat cucumbers, tomatoes in all forms (including the most awesome fresh salsa recipe I tried this weekend), and string beans, but I'll get to savor my zucchini and broccoli recipes all by myself.
Except for zucchini bread. That, I must share with him. :)

If you're looking for ways to use up some summer produce, check out these recipes:
Impossibly Easy Zucchini Pie (this is great with or without tomatoes)
Fresh Salsa - this is not the recipe I used, but it's awfully close. I just used half a super hot pepper, 2 tomatoes not 3, and lemon juice instead of lime juice. Sooooo good
Zucchini Gratin Just making any Ina Garten recipe makes me feel like a master chef

Happy summer eating!

UPDATE: The Firefigher just emailed me to remind me that yes, indeed, he does get picky about his body armor at times. This is what he said:
"The firefighter can be kind of picky when his wife purchases some ridiculous looking suit of armor at "The Gap" ".
Oh be careful, little mouth, what you say, for the past will soon be haunting you! :)

A survey!

2008-07-23T10:26:00.003-04:00

A is for Age. I am 26 ½.

B is for Burger of Choice. Red Robin’s Blue Ribbon Burger: making-me-drool description right from their website: “Juicy burger basted with a tangy steak sauce and topped with crumbled Bleu cheese. Served with onion straws, lettuce, tomatoes and zesty Chipotle mayo on an onion bun.” Oh yes!

C is for what car you drive. My baby is a 1997 Saturn SC2. It just rolled to 270,000 miles; it’s on its second engine; the Firefighter has to repair the head gasket tonight; and it looks so shiny and new still. I love that car!

D is for Dog’s name. We don’t have a dog. The Firefighter had one before we got married…then he had to go because he was wrecking the house. I’d be happy with a dog- maybe- someday- when we’re home more and have a much bigger house. For now I’m very happy with our kitty, Georgie. Who’s a girl. Major identity crisis we gave her, huh?

E is for essential item you use every day. My Maine Bureau of Highway Safety orange water bottle. It’s made in the USA- hurray!

F is for favorite tv show at the moment. We just got rid of our Dish Network, so we’re not watching TV any more. However, we’ve signed up for Netflicks, and have Season 1 of Alf to watch. Hurray for classic TV!

G is for favorite game. I am starting to love games more than ever before, as I’m the “activity coordinator” for the senior high youth group. Our classic is Pictionary, and favorite outdoor game is still Capture the Flag. Classic.

H is for hometown. Norway, Maine, USA

I is for instruments you play. The piano, both at home (though not as often as I should) and as the church pianist.

J is for favorite juice. Cranapple

K is for who you’d like to kiss. My niece!

L is for the last restaurant you ate at. It’s been forever…hmm…does Quiznos count? We ate there several weeks ago.

M is for your favorite Muppet. Miss Piggy rocks.

N is for number of piercings. 5; 2 holes on my right ear, 3 on my left. I’m sooo ready for some new earrings.

O is for overnight hospital stays. None actually.

P is for people you were with today. The Firefighter this morning and as we drove to work together, the people in my office, and tonight will be the senior high youth group.

Q is for what you do with your quiet time. Right now IN my quiet time I’m studying “No Other Gods” by Kelly Minter with my friend Melinda as part of the “summer siesta Bible study” that Beth Moore is hosting on her website, and “I Saw the LORD” by Anne Graham Lotz, which we started as a women’s Sunday School class study. I highly recommend both of those books to anyone. They correlate in so many lessons on many levels! What a challenge they both have been to me.

R is for biggest regret. Not fully comprehending what we were getting into when the Firefighter and I moved into his house; also known as “The Nichols’ Homestead”. We have lots of advice to give almost-newlyweds on what NOT to do when selecting where to live when you get married.

S is for status. Relationally: married. Personally: tired and ready for a break from everything.

T is for time you woke up today. 6:00 AM

U is for what you consider unique. A person who is willing make Jesus their whole life; He becomes their One and Only, and their life is a living example of Him. This should not be a unique person, as all Christians should live this way, but sadly that doesn’t seem to be the case.

V is for vegetable you love. Where to begin! Broccoli and string beans are my favorites. Followed so closely by zucchini, summer squash, and cauliflower. Oh and carrots.

W is for worst habit. Procrastinating!

X is for number of x-rays you’ve had. Zero. Do you know that when I was little I actually WANTED a broken bone?! I guess some kid at school must have had a really cool cast or something, and I thought I wanted one. Crazy, huh?

Y is for yummy food you ate today. So far today I’ve had toast with homemade strawberry jam on it, and a half a peanut butter and apple jelly sandwich. Time for some vegetables.

Z is for the zoo you’ve visited. I’ve been to the Grandby Zoo in Quebec; I remember the great huge elephants that we saw. That’s the only real zoo I’ve been to, I believe. I’ve been to the Gray Animal Farm, the New England Aquarium in Boston…and Sea World in Florida.

Grace

2008-07-22T13:23:00.003-04:00

Last Thursday night, the Firefighter and I met my parents in Old Orchard Beach and went to a Sandi Patty concert together. It had been a hot day; I mean, HOTT day. So it it warrants 2 Ts. We're not really used to super hot heat up here in Maine; that day it was in the 90s, and making it even worse was the humidity- it was almost unbearable. The saving grace of that concert was that it was outside at the Salvation Army Old Orchard Beach Pavilion, which is an outside concert hall- and there was a breeze! As the sun went down it cooled off quite nicely, and it was an enjoyable summer evening.
As we made our way to our seats, I began to realize that the Firefighter and I were most definitely in the minority- by far, some of the youngest people there...and the concert hall was barely half full. Where was everyone? Hadn't other people been raised listening to Sandi Patty sing? Weren't they as excited as Mom and I were to hear her LIVE? What an occasion!
After what seemed an inordinately long opening act by the local town manager (who is a Christian- what a testimony for him to be playing in his own town!), the moment of truth finally had arrived. What would she look like? What will she talk about? Will she sing our favorite songs? Probably most importantly, what will she be wearing?
Ms Patty did not disappoint. Out she came, and she was wearing this long, silky, flowing black and white shirt with beautiful big flowers on it. Her hair was very chique, and her shoes. Oh my, her shoes. Let me just say that I was wishing for a camera during the entire concert, so I could photograph those beauties to show my sister. They were at least 4" heels, black and cream colored, and they just SHONE in the stagelights. Be still my heart.
Back to the concert.
Sandi Patty came out, and started right in with several songs, most of which I'd never heard. While I was listening to her, enjoying her beautiful, talented voice, my mind started wandering.
When I was growing up, Sandi Patty seemed like THE female Christian singer of her time. She was right up there with Steve Green. Mom had all her tapes, and we listened to them with the volume cranked. Then, she took a mighty tumble. A mighty public tumble. She had an affair with one of the people involved in her ministry. She fell from the spotlight of praise and appreciation for her oh-so-talented vocal abilities, and soon was in another spotlight- the one of revealed sin and glaring humanity. And judgment, I would dare say. She had fallen to the lowest point in a Christian "personality"'s ministry- one where she became an object of ridicule and disappointment.
I've read her book, Broken on The Back Row, and in it she discusses the personal pain, embarrassment, and shame for what she did. But she doesn't stop there. After several years of floundering, not knowing exactly which of the stones cast at her would be the one to finally crush her, she saw a glimmer of hope. She saw the forgiveness offered by the Savior she had previously so loudly proclaimed. And she listened to her own music. She sought forgiveness from Him, and then began the arduous journey of gaining other's forgiveness and trust again.
I was thinking all this as the background for the big question in my mind: how could she step on that stage that night, knowing full well that most in the audience knew her past? Knew what she'd done? Did she think, every night before going out to perform, about how the crowd would receive her? Were there more stone-throwers in the audience, waiting to attack at the slightest opportunity?
The conclusion I finally came to later, as we discussed it at Tim Horton's after the concert, was this. Yes, Sandi Patty did sin, and it was devestating to the career that had been built. She had been THE women's ministry singer of her time! And she threw it all away for personal pleasure. However, she was repentant of her fall. She has gradually made her way back into the public eye, singing about the grace that she has experienced first hand. She has apparently taken the lessons she learned through her fall and is now sharing them with others.
Now that's a ministry opportunity.
Saturday morning we were home, and as I puttered around the kitchen getting meals ready for the weekend, I had one of her classic CDs blaring from the stereo, and I was singing my little heart out along with her. Now that was a concert to behold! :)

If you're interested in listening to some of Sandi Patty's music, visit her website.

Sweet Thing

2008-07-15T11:32:00.003-04:00

One of the things that we ALWAYS do while camping at Littlefield Beaches is go to their main office, where they have a big cooler full of icy cool treats. The Firefighter is especially partial to ice cream- I'd dare say that it's his favorite food of all time. Right beside Pepsi. But anyway.

This past weekend's camping trip was no different, and off we went Saturday night to raid the ice cream cooler in the office. My mom, sister and I perused the different "Littlefield Beaches" t-shirts, coozies, bracelets that were available, along with the standard camping equipment they were selling, then finally made our way to the ice cream cooler. While trying to pick out which ice cream the Firefighter would enjoy most (quite a task!), he suddenly appeared at my side.

"Look at this!" he exclaimed as he held a small object, wrapped in plastic, available for sale, up for me to see. I was trying to figure out what exactly it was that was being offered up for examination, when he impatiently said, "Read the label!". So I did. And guess what the label said? "My Garden Life".

He was so excited that he had found some random object that had the name of my blog written on it, and wasted no time in showing it to me.

That act of love, that intense desire to share a discovery with me knowing how excited I would be over it- that was more sweet than any ice cream that store will ever offer.

Kayaks and blinders

2008-07-14T11:11:00.001-04:00

Can anyone else believe that July is almost half over already?! How is this possible? It seems like the Firefighter and I were just planting our vegetable garden- but that was over a month ago, as the weeds keep reminding me.
We really have enjoyed our summer so far though. We’ve been kayaking a few times, thanks to generous family members who have let us borrow their kayaks. Next summer I believe we’ll be buying our own so we can go as often as we’d like. Kayaking is so peaceful, so relaxing, and yet such a good workout. This past weekend we were camping at Littlefield Beaches, and the thing we were most looking forward to was kayaking. We borrowed the Firefighter’s nephew’s kayak, and rented one from the campground, and set out Saturday morning. After paddling for a while, I found this little cove that had a white birch tree hanging out over the edge of the water. It was so beautiful, with the tree casting a long, thin shadow over the calm, clear water. I sat there with my leg and hands dangling in the water, just soaking in the view: mountains surrounding the lake, the beautiful blue sky with fluffy white clouds, camps dotting the shoreline, and the only thing I could hear was the lapping of the water at the shore and the Firefighter paddling away. It was a perfect morning.
As I sat looking at the mountains, I thought of the often-used phrase, “How can anyone look at (insert natural setting) and not believe there’s a God?” For some reason that I’m trying to explain, that phrase has always made me a bit uncomfortable. If someone sets their mind that they believe there is no God, then no amount of natural surrounding is going to convince them otherwise. Doesn’t that seem right? They’ve set their mind against any proof that could be offered to prove His existence. Why would a pretty mountain sitting beside a lake change their mind?The only thing that would change their mind would be God removing the blinders that they’ve been so firmly holding over their physical and spiritual eyes. He would also have to remove the desire for that person to hang on so tightly to those blinders. Once He has removed those blinders, that person’s eyes and heart would be opened to what is so clear to those of us who have lost our blinders. That one would be able to see with clarity, as much clarity as any Christian can have in this present day, why it is that people say “How can anyone look at that and not believe there is a God?”.

Fabulous Fourth

2008-07-08T11:52:00.001-04:00

We had such a fantastic Fourth of July weekend- I was so sad to see it end! Thursday night after work, the Firefighter and I got home and began packing for the long trip to the Williams family campground. OK fine; it’s only a 15-minute drive, but boy did we have a lot of stuff to pack! Finally around 7 o’clock the Jeep was loaded, and I mean LOADED, and we set off. As we were afraid of running out of dailylight, and of the fierce looking clouds overhead, we started setting up our home away from home as soon as we arrived.
Let me pause here to let everyone know that I was not raised to be a tent girl. I wasn’t really raised to be a camper, period, but in my teenage years my parents bought a camper, and suddenly camping became so much more fun. No wet tents, no wet clothes, no damp sleeping quarters, no sleeping on the ground- nice comfy beds, a refrigerator and stove to cook on, a nice table to eat at, a place to get in out of the weather and away from bugs…THAT was enjoyable camping.
Still being considered newlyweds (it’ll be 2 years in September), we decided to take the more economical approach to camping. Yup. We bought a tent. After much deliberation over the style, size, number of rooms included in the tent, we finally found one that the Firefighter agreed to and I loved. It’s 1 big room that can be divided into 2, with a screen room attached to the front- I lovingly call it our screen porch- and lots of windows, with a screen roof that gets a tarp put over it. Nice tent. We were excited to put it up.
Back to Thursday night. We get the tent out of the bag- and the Firefighter suddenly remembers that, although we remembered every other possible thing I thought we needed for the tent- including a card table, he forgot the directions. “Have no fear”, he said, “I was a boyscout, remember?”. Yes, oh how I remember. One small detail I’ve left out- before we left the house, the Firefighter said “OK. We’re going to be setting up our new tent for the first time. Regardless of how badly I seem to be doing, or how wrong you think I am, or how miserable of a time it become to set it up, your family will be all around us, so please just don’t say anything; let’s not fight during this time”. I liked the idea, but was it even remotely possible?Let me proudly clear my throat. Ahem. The Firefighter and I had no incident! When we got it almost up, we realized that the screen room opened directly into a big patch of tall grass right beside an out building. So, we pulled up the stakes and turned the tent. At this time the wind started gusting, and thankfully my dad, brother in law, and uncle quickly came over and helped us finish. What success! What teamwork! The icing on the tent, so to speak, was when I laid on our new air mattress that night- and woke up 8 hours later from a sound sleep, thanks to the cushiony mattress and lack of hard ground against my back. Complete success!
The rest of the weekend went just as well. Lots of sun was soaked up while visiting with family, playing ball, kayaking, strawberry picking, watching my cousin and uncle build a screen house for my grandparents, attending a double birthday party for the newest one year olds- my niece Madeline and my cousin’s son Landen. Last year Madeline arrived in our world on July 3, and Landen waited til July 4 to greet everyone- a true “firecracker baby”.
It was truly one of the best Fourth of July Rogers family campouts we’ve had. I love my family.

What's in a Name

2008-07-03T16:43:00.004-04:00

It was tough to come up with a name for this blog, as I mentioned here. Some people use catchy phrases, some use their family name, some use great descriptive fanciful phrases...nothing that worked for me.

As I was thinking about this oh-so-difficult choice, I was also working out the layout of my new garden in another part of my brain (aren't brains awesome?). While doing this, I was also planning what to pack for the Firefighter and I as we went on our first-ever-together camping-in-a-tent adventure for the Rogers family July 4th campout.

Then it came to me.

Life is like a garden. There are many things going on around you all at once. Things are growing, some things are dying, some things need changing, some things are pretty good how they are, lots of things need a good amount of attention to keep growing well and be healthy, there's always discipline needing to be involved to weed out bad things...

So this is about life; the garden of life.

The Fourth and the Family

2008-07-03T16:14:00.004-04:00

"You're a grand old flag".

I am proud to be an American. Despite all the liberals, the attempts to jeopardize our freedom with political correctness, despite all the negatives, I am so fortunate to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

One of my favorite parts of the Independence Day holiday weekend is our big Rogers family campout. For the last several years, my aunt (mom's sister) and uncle have opened their home, and field, to all the family to come and stay for the weekend. Their neatly manicured lawns transform into a busy campground, home to a few campers, and many tents. Most family- grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, babies, friends- converge on Palermo to celebrate our nation's birthday, and have a reunion of sorts.

As I get older, I am realizing how richly blessed I am to have such a big family that is together so often. On my mom's side of the family we have always had big get togethers, and birthday parties, and Christmas, and Thanksgiving, and just big events that we create to get together (see aboveJuly 4th weekend event). Through our growing up years, Mom and her sisters, and brother, kept all us cousins together, and as we grew through the fighting, the cliques, the drama, we suddenly found ourselves looking forward to these times of being together. There are 11 cousins in all; 3 boys, 8 girls, known now as the "Girl Cousins". Each one of us is a strong, independent woman, like our mothers :), but we have been shown how to remain a strong woman and still be a loving and nurturing wife, daughter, mother, friend. We're all adults now, and the Girl Cousins have decided to get together several times a year, just the Girl Cousins- no other family, to continue these relationships. I can't wait for this weekend when we'll be together and soak in the warmth of a loving, Godly family.

Happy Birthday, America. Thank you for my freedom.

I'm here!

2008-07-03T10:32:00.002-04:00

Well, I've done it. I can't believe it actually, but it's true! I've started my own blog. I've been debating taking this step for a while now, but the obstacles just seemed too great. How do I start one? What do I name it? Who would ever even read it? And probably the biggest question- what do I write about? I don't lead a life full of adventure and intrigue; would anyone really care to hear about it?
Then I began to realize that some of the blogs I enjoy reading the most are ones that just feel real. I can relate to those people in some way, and that's why it makes for an enjoyable read.
Lately I've been carefully broaching the subject of blogs with my husband, the Firefighter. The first few times I mentioned that I'd read this or that on someone's blog, he kind of smiled and said "m-hmm", and went back to whatever he was doing. However, as he began to hear more frequently about what happened in the lives of people that I've read about, some people I know, some I don't, he began to look at me a little sideways as I recounted all that I'd learned. "How has she gotten so interested in the land of blog? Who is this woman that can't wait to read about these strangers' adventures?" And THEN came those words. Those words I never thought I'd hear. Those words that came as we were ending our day, waiting for that blanket of sleep to cover us. "Why don't you start your own blog?"
And here I am.