Our Snow Angels!

Well, we finally got the girls outside! Pete worked so hard today to get all the snow cleared so we can head to work tomorrow (hooray?)Here are some fun pictures of the snow angels out and about.

Snow Day

  Compared to Chicago we didn't get much but it was enough to have a little whiteout here and there!

 I used my yooper scooper 3 times over the past 12 hours and I see one more time in the future.  I did start to run out of places to put the snow so I shoveled the previously shoveled snow off of the deck and into the backyard.  That was fun.

 Emily sent this picture.  They had real snow!  This is from their front door - I think?  I hope they get a picture of the girls standing next to it for perspective.

Scripture Memorization Challenge - February

Tip #2  Memorize word for word.  It is important to be accurate.  Just memorizing the 'gist' of the verse may be okay, but small errors can lead to misinterpretation of the meaning.   If you are not careful, ideas can be lost or added to the passage you are trying to become familiar with.

February's Scripture theme is Christ the Center

Galatians 2:20 (NIV) I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

resources:  Topical Memory System by The Navigators and memoryverses.org

Our Anniversary Dinner

We were given a very generous gift from our parents and my Gram and Poppy for our 3rd anniversary this week- a babysitter and a night out! Pete and I were so excited for a chance to have a date!

Pete found a beautiful restaurant only a few minutes away called Barrington Country Bistro. We had a great babysitter come over and off we went (dressed up too...haha). BCB has an amazingly fresh menu with most of the ingredients coming from very local farms.

After deciding what we were ordering, we had a beautiful bottle of Castle Rock Pinot Noir. Our appetizer was a wild boar sausage with black trumpet mushrooms and a date-mustard sauce. It was so flavorful, and I wish I hadn't sent the bread basket back because we both wanted to get the last little bit of sauce :)

Pete picked a "salade lyonnaise" with arugula, endive, a poached egg, lardons, fresh croutons, and a warm shallot-bacon vinaigrette. I had a bean medley with baby field greens, amazing parmesan, and a beurre noisette vinaigrette.

Hungry yet? ;)

For our main dish, I decided on a venison leg filet accompanied by braised leeks, chestnuts, and a blueberry reduction sauce. Pete had beef cheeks with a parnsip puree. If you haven't had beef cheeks before (I had not before last night) you should try it if you get a chance! It was such a tender, and flavorful, piece of meat.

I am who I am....so we got dessert!

A very thin apple tart with fresh vanilla ice cream and caramel was the perfect end to our meal.

Ahhh....I can't wait to go back to BCB!

Love you all!
Emily Ann

Super Bowl

I know some people in the family are not Green Bay fans but Super Bowl XLV here we come. It has been A LONG time since we have been in the Super Bowl :) GO PACK GO!!!!

Neat Scandinavian Site

I have decided to knit myself a Women's Scandinavian Sweater. It is called Sirdal a woman's Orman's cardigan. There is a wool Norwegian braid for the sweater that is down the front near the buttons. So I started a web search for the braid and the pewter buttons. I found a wonderful website store called Ingebretsen's . They had the braid and much much much more. They have information on culture, events and classes. However, the store has everything from food, knitting supplies, household items, books, clothing, sliverwear, and anything you could want. They even sell Swedish Fish (Tim's favorite). Just thought it would be fun to share the site. I will take pictures of my progress as I knit the sweater it will take a while. It is knitted in the round then steeked. Which means I will have to sew it and then cut the knitting in half. I have done this before for Debbie's sweater but it is always scary to do it. I have included a site to see how this is done.

Welcome

Hi All,

Here is a picture of Lindsey and Jay, the happy couple. Also the happy family with Lindsey, Jay and his daughter Olivia. Welcome to the family!!!!! The wedding is set for Thursday, June 23rd. It's very exciting!!! Debbie

One of my favorite things!

Today I'm heading out to look for a new lampshade for one of my favorite treasures!

This lamp was a gift from Linda and Karl at our wedding over 16 years ago. There's something about it that I've always loved. If you ask me I can still remember specific gifts that we received and we treasure-- the Corelle dishes we still use daily, an Ishpeming cookbook published by the firemen that is marked up with many favorite recipes and many, many more -- but there is something about this lamp!

The details on it are whimsical and the colors are vibrant. I've never seen anything else quite like it. It was by far the most unique gift we were given. I have specific wonderful memories from our wedding that stand out: Peter dancing at our reception in his swimsuit with an inflatable guitar after he had gone swimming. I can picture exactly the cute dress Lindsey was wearing and her dancing with Ryan. I remember opening gifts and looking out at the family in Ken & Carol's beautiful yard and seeing my older brother Mark and his wife sitting on the grass playing with baby Natalie and wondering if they were getting the "baby bug" (my neice Cailin was born in December.) I have many more memories but another that stands out specifically is opening a huge gift that was this lamp and immediately knowing this was a treasure!

The shade is a bit crooked and is fragile from being dusted. It's time to look for something new. It's amazing how things we have can hold so many memories and tell a story. We've been so blessed with a wonderful family and this lamp reminds me of that! Thank you Linda for this treasure!

Swimming Success!

Here's a link to this morning's announcements at Isaac's school. Read down at the bottom about the JV boys swimmers! http://manitowocpublicschools.com/WilsonJunior.cfm?subpage=211780

Congrats Isaac!

More knitting

I think this is so classy, it has flecks of sparkles in it too!

I have started the scarf, but need to get some more yarn, so i moved onto other projects

Baby hat

I had bought this yarn before i found the neopolitian. i like this one, but the other one is my new fav!

This is the sweater i started for the baby, i have to finish the arms. it will be for the fall, maybe to big we will see, and may have to change the colors too! its just so fun to knit and dream!!

My Favorite Online Resources

To make and share lists:  Ta da Lists
To schedule meetings or make a choice with several people:  Doodle
To manage, edit, and store pictures:  Picasa and Picnik
To help make a translation:  Bing Translator
To listen to music:  Pandora
To keep kids entertained:  PBS Kids Between the Lions
To get a new font look:  Fontspace
To read the Bible: Biblegateway and Blue Letter Bible
To pass time: Free Rice

What are yours?

Cherry Cheesecake

This is my moms Cherry Cheese Recipe! I just love it and since i have been craving cheesecake and pickles, i have decided to make my favorite today. Here is the Recipe its SUPER EASY NO BAKING AND IT TAKES MAYBE 15- 20 MIN!

Crust:

1 1/2 C graham cracker crumbs (about 10-11 big crackers )

1/2 C sugar

mix and add 1/3 C melted butter

Press into 9X13 " pan

middle:

1 8oz softened cream cheese

1 can sweetened condensed milk ( we use eagle brand)

1/3 C lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla

Beat cream cheese untill fluffy, add milk, juice, and vanilla, beat untill smooth

Pour into cracker crust

(Oh and i saved 1/4 not even that much of the crust to sprinkle on top)

Top with your favorite pie filling or use fresh fruit!! (My fav is cherry filling)

Refrigerate for 2-3 hrs then serve

YUM YUM ENJOY I know i will tonight for the packer game!!!

The Chemistry of Chocolate

1. History
1. The first people known to grow Theobroma Cacao Tree plantations were the Mayans in 600 AD. That’s nearly 1500 years ago! They made a strong and dark chocolate beverage that was considered an aphrodisiac.
2. Cacoa beans were then introduced to Spain in which they mixed the bitter beverage with Cortez’ sugar cane.
3. The beverage became commercially available in 1657 in English Chocolate Houses.
4. In 1847 an English company introduced solid chocolate.
5. In 1894 Milton Hershey began selling Hershey bars for five cents.
2. What makes us love chocolate so much? The Compounds of Chocolate

Fat and Sugar: Sugar elevates mood and fat is calming. Combined together they create a burst of endorphins and serotonin in our brain.


Fats & Sugar

 Serotonin is the “molecule of happiness”

  

Serotonin

 

1. It affects learning, hunger, sleep, body temperature, and mood.
2. Venom in wasps and scorpions is actually serotonin.
3. Serotonin is hard to get to the brain 
4. Medications used to treat depression try to increase serotonin levels but they can have many side effects. Chocolate does this naturally!



Endorphins produce feelings of pleasure



Endorphin



Caffeine: Stimulates the Central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).

1. How much is there?
1. 50 grams of Cacao has 13 mg of caffeine
2. 150 ml of coffee has 40 – 180 mg of caffeine

3. 150 ml of tea has 20 – 90 mg of caffeine
4. 50 grams of Dark Chocolate has 60 mg of caffeine
2. Flavonoids: Antioxidants that reduce blood clotting and ease blood vessel constriction.

Antioxidants also fight off molecules in our bodies that attack our cells.  

1. Dark chocolate (800mg) contains double the amount of antioxidants found in milk chocolate (400mg).

Theobromine: Mild stimulant in the same family as caffeine. It makes us alert and relaxes the muscles found in the lungs.

1. Dark chocolate contains 10g/1kg, milk chocolate contains 1-5 g/1kg, and Cacao beans contains much more!
2. Dogs break down theobromine much slower than humans. Significant amounts of theobromine can attach a dog’s heart and kidneys which can lead to death in a dog.

Left:  Theobromine, Top right:  Flavanoid, Bottom right:  Caffeine
Notice the corresponding shapes of the molecules.

Anandamide: a cannabinoid also found in psychoactive plants like marijuana. Of course, it is a lot less potent!

1. Anandamide is produced in our bodies so it has a much more targeted effect than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
2. Anandamide is a likely contributor to our love of chocolate.

Top:  Anandamide  Bottom:  THC
If you flip the Anandamide 180 degrees you will see it is a great structural match.

Phenylethylamine (PEA) raises the levels of dopamine in the pleasure center of the brain.

1. Chocolate has high levels of phenylethylamine. We find high levels of this in our bodies when we fall in love.
2. It is chemically related to amphetamines such as morphine, meperidine, and codeine
   All of these chemicals fit on receptors in the brain that block pain.  But . . . a large part of phenylethylamine is broken down before it reaches our central nervous system. It is difficult to carry this chemical across the blood brain barrier.
3. Some people are more sensitive to this chemical and therefore crave chocolate more than others.

  

Top:  PEA  Bottom:  Dopamine
PEA stimulates the production of Dopamine



Dopamine and Morphine have analagous structures

Dopamine and Diacetylmorphine (Heroin) have analagous structures too!

Dopamine and Codeine have analagous structures.

Dopamine and Adrenaline have analagous structures.

 Considering how closely these structures are alike - no wonder we love chocolate!

 So to review why we love chocolate so much! 

1. Fat and sugar in combination produce endorphins and serotonin.
2. Caffeine and theobromine stimulate our brains
3. Anadamide affects the pleasure center of the brain.
4. Phenylethylamine fits on the receptors of the brain that blocks pain.
5. It tastes good and melts in our mouth. The melting temperature of solid chocolate = body temperature.

Chemist’s Recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies

Match the Chemist’s recipe with the Ordinary Recipe

 _____ 1. 532 mL of finely milled wheat grains

_____ 2. 4.9 mL NaHCO3

_____ 3. 4.9 mL refined halite

_____ 4. 227 grams of partially hydrogenated tallow triglyceride

_____ 5. 177 mL of crystalline sucrose (C12H22O11)

_____ 6. 177 mL of crystalline sucrose-molasses mixture

_____ 7. 4.9 mL vanillin-ethanol solution

_____ 8. 2 calcium carbonate-encapsulated avian albumen-coated protein

_____ 9. 473 mL of Theobromoa cacao

A) ½ cup brown sugar

B) 1 cup chocolate chips

C) 1 stick butter

D) 1 tsp baking soda

E) 1 tsp salt

F) 1 tsp vanilla extract

G) 1/2 cup sugar

H) 2 cups flour

I) 2 eggs

Credits go out to a lot of different resources.  I've been collecting this information for years and years!

Loose Ends. . .

Hello Everyone,

Family Book Club
From what I can tell, your books are here or on their way.  Let's try to read through section one by the end of January.  I know that some of you have already forged ahead (ahem . . . mom) but that's just fine.  We'll post questions/thoughts/comments at the end of January?  Sound Good?

Returning to Haiti
Just wanted you to know that I'll be going on a short-term mission trip to Haiti in February.  I am REALLY excited - a twinge nervous (I'd be worried if I wasn't) - but mostly really excited because I think God made me to play a part in international missions.  I'll be getting my "orders" soon.  I'm happy to be working again with the Salvation Army - what an incredible organization/church.  I read up on what is happening in Haiti on a regularly.  Today I read this post  about a little girl who has been under the care of a mission organization called Real Hope For Haiti - and for real - they are bringing some real hope.  Read it for yourself - you won't be the same after.

Scripture Memorization Challenge
How's it going?  Have you memorized 2 Cor 5:17?  What kind of impact has it had on you?  Has it popped into your mind at any particular point?

2 Cor 5:17  (NASB)  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature;  the old things passed away, behold, new things have come.

Chocolate Lecture
I have been wanting to post my chocolate lecture for quite some time now.  It is about why humans love chocolate so much.  The images have been a real bear to prepare - so keep your eyes peeled - if you see the post it will be a victory for me!

Thanks
Thanks to all of the family who filled out the Nadeau Family Basic Facts Survey.  I am waiting for just a few more people to fill it out and then I will e-mail you the file so you have a copy too.

Knitting

This hat i started yesterday, i really love the yarn and its such a great pattern!

This is the scarf i am working on that matches the hat that i love so much!!

The name of this yarn in Neopolitan, and it totally reminds me of icecream!!!

This was the first hat i made with the pattern, i used a different kind of yarn, but it still turned out cute. I love the simplicity of the pattern and it keeps me busy. I love to knit!!! Thanks Emily for the new pattern! I LOVE IT!!

Featured Recipe - Apple Dip

This year I will sporadically be featuring recipes from the long awaited Family Cookbook (please don't ask me when it is coming - it is).  If you have a recipe that you are wanting to still add, please let me know and we can make it happen.  In the meantime, try this easy appetizer - it's always a big hit!

Apple Dip


Recipe Submitted By :Tracy
Preparation Time 20 minutes
Categories : Appetizers

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 package cream cheese -- I prefer the whipped
2 cups powdered sugar -- Just add enough until you thinks it tastes good
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 can spanish peanuts
1 jar caramel topping -- I like fat free
10 whole granny Smith apple -- sliced 1/2" thick

Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lime juice.
Pour mixture into a shallow bowl.
Pour a layer of spanish peanuts over the top.
Pour caramel topping over the peanuts so that the peanuts still show through.
Slice the apples and sprinkle with additional lime juice to preserve the color.
Arrange the apples in a separate bowl or on a platter for people to dip!
Serve and Enjoy

Addie

Addie - Happy Birthday to you. I am so sorry that it is so snowy out today and that I won't be at your birthday party.
I am thinking of all the wonderful things about you. You have a precious smile and I love the way your shiny white teeth peek out! I love the way that your hair curls up in the back. I love the way that you giggle when something is funny or the tickle bug has found you. I love that you can still pull your foot above your head without wincing. You are fantastic at playing peek-a-boo and so-big. You have a pretty voice and you can wave hello better than any little girl I know! I love how your sweet spirit shows all of your face when someone you love walks in the room. I can't wait to see the lovely lady that you grow up to be. I pray that God watch over your every step - that you grow in stature and wisdom - that you come to know our Awesome God, intimately and with great trust. Now have a great Birthday Addie - I'll see you soon. Much Love, Aunt CC

Family Book Club - Pick Up/Order Your Books NOW!

Hi Again Family & Friends,

We have decided to read Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder.  Order or pick up (click the link and it will bring you right to amazon) your book right away!!  We are going to start reading really soon - keep your eye out for the schedule and subsequent posts where you can weigh in with your thoughts on the book!

While we are getting ready:

1. Check out a couple of related links:
1. Partners In Health
2. Wikipedia on Paul Farmer
2. Learn these two Haitian Creole Words
1. Lasante = Health
2. Zami = Friend
3. Get familiar with the map of Haiti:
1. Find the capital, Port-Au-Prince (everyone calls it PAP)
2. Find Mirebalais on the map of Haiti
3. Find Letter on the map, it points at Cange
   

View Larger Map

Happy Birthday Addie!

Happy Birthday Pasty Princess

I am so glad that you are here.

Your smile is contagious. Your spirit is engaging. Your love is amazing.

You are loved.

Addie Jane is one 1 year old today.

Random thought from my day...

This morning, on my way to work, I was listening to K-love and heard a great message about God and food. As many of you know, I am a BIG fan of food-especially food that is sweet. It tends to get me in trouble and I have been struggling with it more as I try to eat healthier foods and lose some of the left over pregnancy weight.
The guest host today on the Lisa and Eric show was Lysa TerKeurst who has written a book about God and food called Made to Crave. As I was listening to her speak about reading what the Bible has to say about food, she quoted a verse from 1 Corinthians that she has on the outside of her pantry and refrigerator that helps her keep her cravings in check.
1 Corinthians 6:12 " Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything."
I thought it was interesting that this verse could really change the way somebody thinks about food. I could eat anything I have in the house, but it wouldn't necessarily be beneficial to help me complete my day and have the energy to be a great wife or mom which is what God calls me to be.
Food for thought :) Maybe next time I'll choose an apple instead of that cookie...

Genesis Worship Album - Now On iTunes

I am so excited to share with you that our second album is now on iTunes!

Follow this link to buy it!

I wrote and performed #4 Cry Out of Romans.  I sang background vocals for #10 Glory and #14 We Are Ready.  I hope you enjoy the album!  The first album is not yet on iTunes but hopefully it will be soon!

Locks of Love

Faith ran out of her room the other day and said "Mom im going to cut my hair! Im sick of it, its to long and it keeps bugging me!" I said, oh you cant cut your hair but we can go to the beauty salon and get it cut. Thats all it took, she was so excited to get it cut. I did a little research on where i can donate her hair. There are so many places that you can send hair. Faith kind of had a melt down after visiting nana and showing off her new hair. She was crying and says "mom i just want my hair back" I was very sad and almost began crying myself... i went online and Faith and I looked at the pictures of children who dont have any hair. Then we talked about how they will use her hair to make a wig for a child that doesnt have any hair. She said she wants to keep her hair for a few days till shes ready. LOL That works out fine for me because the hair has to dry and i have to decided what organization will be best to donate to. I have to say i have never been more proud of Faith in my life! The tears were rolling when i was taking her picture of her holding the hair that was cut off. Not because of the hair, but beacuse , she looks so big, its a wonderful thing she is doing, and how proud she is!

WANTED

Has anybody seen these two????

Family Book Club

I have heard a few rumblings that folks are indeed interested in a Family Book Club.  I would love to do this and keep it fairly informal at the same time.  Here are some thoughts:

1.  Choose the book we will be reading.  I have some suggestions below that have lots of opportunity for discussion.  Please post in the comments any new suggestions or any thoughts on the three below.
2.  Set up a loose calendar (e.g.  read chapters 1 - 5 in January)
3.  Have an online blog discussion about what we read at the end of the month.

So to get the ball rolling, here are my suggestions for our first book:

Mountains Beyond Mountains - a fascinating true story about Dr. Farmer.  This is Pulitzer prize winning book and I started reading it on the train back from Chicago.  It is riveting.  There is profanity but all within context.  I would consider this if only the adults were going to read along.

The Magician's Nephew - the first (chronologically speaking - it wasn't written first) of C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia.  This is a perfect book that folks could read to their kids before bedtime.  It would be fun to work our way through the series.  The reading order of the Chronicles is actually hotly debated so we could start with The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe as well.

Hinds Feet On High Places - I admittedly have just finished the book but would LOVE to read it again!  It is an allegory about a girl named "Much-Afraid".  It will surprise and challenge you throughout every chapter.  The book was actually written in 3 weeks during the year 1949.

It all led up to something wonderful . . .

(Double Click to Enlarge)

A few years back I received a catalog from a place called Sur La Table.  First of all, I loved the cool French name but most of all I loved the kitchen paraphernalia that was contained in that catalog.  It is so wonderful it could make a grown man cry.  It was heaven but it had a pretty big price tag. 

A few weeks ago the pioneer woman posted this recipe for Mulligatawny Soup.  It made my mouth water and I knew that I would have to make it - soon - very soon.  But in what?

A few days ago I received a very unexpected and fantastical present under my tree from my dear friend who knew about my love of 'all things kitchen' and my deep desire for Mulligatawny Soup - made in the proper vessel, of course!  Oh yes - it was my very own Le Creuset Dutch Oven.  It too was French and Fabulous - the perfect cooking vessel. 

Et Voila - it has all led up to something wonderful . . . this adaptation on the pioneer woman's Mulligatawny Soup.  Make it yourself - you won't regret it.

Mulligatawny Soup In Cherry Le Creuset

2# Organic, boneless, skinless chicken cut into 1/2" cubes
Salt & Pepper to taste
4 Tablespoons of butter (I will be experimenting with an olive oil/butter combination next time)1 Large Onion diced
1 Large Clove of Elephant Garlic finely minced
1/4 cup of flour
1.5 tablespoons of curry powder
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
38 ounces of organic chicken broth
2 cups of coconut milk
2 Large granny smith apples - diced roughly
2 tablespoons of brown sugar - to taste
Salt & Pepper - to taste
Cayenne Pepper - to taste

Acquire proper cooking vessel.  Prepare the onions, garlic, and chicken.  Heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and add the chicken; stirring and allowing the chicken to brown.  Remove the chicken once it has browned and there is a nice glaze on the cooking vessel.  In the same vessel, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the diced onion and garlic.  Cook and stir.  Sprinkle the flour over the onions and continue stirring.  Add in the curry and turmeric and continue stirring.  Allow the mixture to cook for one to two minutes - still stirring.  Pour in the chicken broth and stir.  (lots of stirring in this recipe)  Let it cook for 5 to 10 minutes then add the coconut milk, salt, pepper, and sugar.  Stir them thoroughly for about 1 to 2 minutes.  Add the chicken and diced apple and cook for 10 additional minutes.  Turn off the stove and allow the soup to stand with a lid for 10 minutes before serving.  Add cayenne pepper to taste into the whole pot or individual bowls.  Enjoy!

Scripture Memorization Challenge - January

Happy New Year Everyone

I promised some new changes to the blog for 2011 and they are already starting to take shape: new colors and theme for the winter, baby countdown for Addy's baby, and the beginning of the Scripture Memorization Challenge.

This really is a challenge - whether you're part of the family or friend who stops in - take this challenge:  Memorize the Monthly Scripture.  A Bible teacher friend of mine once told me that when we memorize scripture it gives the Holy Spirit a bigger vocabulary.  So it's time to expand your vocab folks.

Here's how it will work:  Each month, on the first, a new verse will appear along with some resources and memorization tips and tricks.  We will devise some sort of prize or recognition in December for everyone who participates.  Let me know if you have any ideas.  So let's get crackin'

Tip #1  Get some notecards.  Write the verse down on a card and put it in a place that you will see it every day (your car, bathroom mirror, the fridge, the coffee maker, get creative folks).  Memorize it in small chunks putting it together as time goes by.

January's Scripture theme is Christ the Center

2 Corinthians 5:17  (NIV)  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.

If you want to memorize this scripture in a different version feel free; you will still be eligible for all of the encouragement, prizes, and recognition!  Here are a couple of other versions of the verse:  Other versions of 2 Cor 5:17

Kings & Queen of the Hill

There are so many posts I want to make before the end of the year but there are only a few hours left and I am certain I won't make the deadline. So instead I am posting this picture and a few random thoughts from our adventures in the snow.

1. The boys were talking about being King of the Hill. I love "our" boys because they shared the Kingdom - even with this little queen.
2. I cherish my relationships with my cousins. I am especially grateful for my cousin, Ryan. He is a great man and I would be blessed to find anyone so wonderful in my life (Joy - you are wonderful too!). We have known each other our whole lives and I am so thankful that we still keep in touch despite the miles and the great big lake in between. During our snow adventure Ryan ventured outside without the proper snow gear because he wanted to keep an eye on his boys. He encouraged fun, kept the boys warm, and carefully kept everyone safe without making a big deal of it. He even carved stairs into the snow mountain so that Queen Alaina could reach the top. Seriously, a wonderful person.
3. Not everyone eats snow - but they should. The Queen immediately began filling her belly with fresh crisp cold snow. She just wouldn't stop and when she fell over face forward into the snow she just stuck out her tongue and took advantage of the situation. It's a great life lesson that I am learning.
4. I love the snow - just love it - especially for how it makes everything white. It clears the visual noise - you can even see how it does this in the picture. It reflects light and it is makes me think of the word "clean" (I know not all snow is clean - there even is acid snow!) Most of all I love it because of this verse:

Isaiah 1:18 (AMP) Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though
your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red
like crimson, they shall be like wool.

And this is the thought I leave you with as we head into the new year.

Happy New Year!

Things to look forward to on the blog in 2011. . .

New Things

1. A Monthly Scripture Memorization Challenge
2. Book Club - Reading Challenge
3. Recipes from the upcoming cookbook (please don't ask me about the cookbook - it's coming)
4. Monthly Updated Prayer Requests Tab
5. Tutorial on the "Musts" for each post (Title & Labels)
6. Ticker Counter for upcoming babies and weddings
7. Updated Birthdays and Important Dates
8. New Winter Header & a New Look

Old Things

1. Pictures
2. Wordless Wednesdays
3. More Pictures

An Ambedextrous Artist

Discovering the silver lining is exciting.  Brachial Plexus Injury may have slowed Alaina's use of her arm but it certainly has not inhibited her in any way shape or form.  Not only has it given her great determination (and strong will) but now she is an ambidextrous artist too!  Cool!  Look at our artist go!