From our bowel movements to yours, Happy New Year.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Christmas Letter
(Chloe December 2006. She was 4m)(Below is the letter that accompanied our Christmas Card this year. If you did not get one, it is probably because you live within a few miles of me. I figure you really didn't care to get a card from us. Oh who am I kidding, like everything in this world, it all boils down to cost cutting. I was saving 44c AND most of you Bartians see me at least once a month AND you read my blog or at least you should.)
Whew! What a year 2009 has been. I hope this letter finds you doing well.
The Knox family still consists of a Mom, a Dad, a Chloe & a Cooper. There is nothing baking and we have not adopted any animals. There was a close call with a kitten that literally showed up on our back porch. It might have made it into the house when Matt was at work, but it only took 2 bowel movements in my tub before I quickly realized ‘feed the hungry’ doesn’t necessarily apply to feline. No worries though, I found it a good home.
Matt is still with Fastenal. He loves his job and doesn’t love the economy, as I’m sure most of you would agree. As I write this, he still hasn’t put his deer stand in a remote area of the woods, but is planning a trip in a few days. I am praying for success, he deserves it.
Chloe is still too cute. Her ability to melt our hearts is very strong and well developed. When we put her to bed, she proceeds to come into the living room approximately 5-8 times telling us, “Mom &/or Dad, I want to hug you like a zebra.” or “Mom &/or Dad, I want to hug you like a leopard.” She proceeds through all of the animals in Polar Bear, Polar Bear What Do You Hear by Eric Carle. It is extremely cute and extremely powerful at pulling our heart strings. We realize in about 10-12 years she will not be so eager to hug us, so we are soaking it in.
Now for Cooper, many people with boys often say about their sons, “He’s all boy.” I always thought that to be an odd statement because what else would they be. But I have realized Cooper is all boy, what ever that means. We recently visited the fire station. He had the opportunity to sit in the driver’s seat and if it were up to him, he’d still be sitting there. Matt calls him a tub of butter; squishy and soft. I’m pretty sure he weighs more than his sister. It won’t be long before he realizes he can take her and that will be a good time for all.
Now to the author of this letter, as most, if not all, of you know I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in Aug. of this year. I’m on medicine that I inject daily. As long as I keep my core temperature down, I’m usually fine. Through it all, I can say this; I have felt closer to God these past four months than I have all of my Christian life. Prior to my diagnosis, I was attempting to strengthen my relationship with Christ, but always seemed to get lost along the way. On August 4th, I felt blessed and loved by Christ more than ever. I quit worrying about silly things because I quickly realized how fragile my life and life in general is. “Our life is but a mist.” So while I’m misting around, I want to get people wet. I fail daily, but am learning to listen to the Holy Spirit.
I participated in my first Walk MS event in October; my goal was $500 and raised over $1,200! Most of you receiving this letter contributed to that phenomenal amount and again I thank you. I will be doing another event in 2010 so be on the lookout for an email encouraging you to either join my team Megan’s Mates or donate. I am truly blessed with great friends and family. I realize that now more than ever.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Feeling
Isn't there a special feeling this time of year? Do you know what I mean? Do you feel it, the excitement, anticipation and joy?
I was pondering the 'feeling' this time of year offers. I realized that Christian or not, most people seem to have this feeling inside them. They are getting trees ready, the house decorated with what ever they choose, cooking lots of desserts. Most everyone is doing something.
Kind of seems like, in each and every one of us, God has placed this little timer inside that goes off when November hits. (I know December 25 is probably not Jesus' actual birth day, but you know what I mean. God knew when we'd celebrate it.)
It's like that internal timer goes off. We get all excited, some without realizing why. I wonder if that's what the people felt just before Jesus was born? Did they feel it inside? Did they anticipate something great was going to happen? I know Mary and Joseph had the feeling, they were told they were carrying the Savior! So maybe our hearts are feeling the excitement Mary and Joseph felt.
That feeling thousands of years ago has carried through until now. I think that's what it is.... Our hearts are anticipating one of the greatest events.
Jesus' birth.
I was pondering the 'feeling' this time of year offers. I realized that Christian or not, most people seem to have this feeling inside them. They are getting trees ready, the house decorated with what ever they choose, cooking lots of desserts. Most everyone is doing something.
Kind of seems like, in each and every one of us, God has placed this little timer inside that goes off when November hits. (I know December 25 is probably not Jesus' actual birth day, but you know what I mean. God knew when we'd celebrate it.)
It's like that internal timer goes off. We get all excited, some without realizing why. I wonder if that's what the people felt just before Jesus was born? Did they feel it inside? Did they anticipate something great was going to happen? I know Mary and Joseph had the feeling, they were told they were carrying the Savior! So maybe our hearts are feeling the excitement Mary and Joseph felt.
That feeling thousands of years ago has carried through until now. I think that's what it is.... Our hearts are anticipating one of the greatest events.
Jesus' birth.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Is Santa Coming?
True story:
A local hotel adopts a nearby school for Christmas. The school is not in a wealthy zip code, but in a part of town most people don't visit on purpose. A hotel employee asks one of the students, "Is Santa gonna visit you this year?" The little boy says, "Why should he, he never has before."
That is a true story.
Now for your challenge.
How many of you are planning on buying your kids a board game for Christmas? How many of you are getting your kids Lego's. How many will buy a new jacket, socks or shoes? How many will spend on your kids 'way too much?' How many toys will be under your tree that your kids will never play with? Be honest.
How many of you have gone to your local Salvation Army or your Wal-Mart or church and picked up an Angel off the Angel Tree or filled a LifePack? These kids don't want much, just look. They want books, shoes, socks, a hat.... How hard is it to pick up an extra board game, or an extra pair of socks or an extra book?
Truth be told? It's not hard, it's just... are you willing?
All of those kids just want 'Santa' to come because he never has before...
Help a child in need. 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' Acts 20:35
A local hotel adopts a nearby school for Christmas. The school is not in a wealthy zip code, but in a part of town most people don't visit on purpose. A hotel employee asks one of the students, "Is Santa gonna visit you this year?" The little boy says, "Why should he, he never has before."
That is a true story.
Now for your challenge.
How many of you are planning on buying your kids a board game for Christmas? How many of you are getting your kids Lego's. How many will buy a new jacket, socks or shoes? How many will spend on your kids 'way too much?' How many toys will be under your tree that your kids will never play with? Be honest.
How many of you have gone to your local Salvation Army or your Wal-Mart or church and picked up an Angel off the Angel Tree or filled a LifePack? These kids don't want much, just look. They want books, shoes, socks, a hat.... How hard is it to pick up an extra board game, or an extra pair of socks or an extra book?
Truth be told? It's not hard, it's just... are you willing?
All of those kids just want 'Santa' to come because he never has before...
Help a child in need. 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' Acts 20:35
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Three Gifts
I have a friend.
She's one of not very many.
When asked what she and her hubby were getting their daughter for Christmas she said, "Well, she won't get more than three gifts. We figure Jesus got three, so can she."
Ever since that blessed day of wonderful information and great ideas, I have been totally stoked for Christmas gift buying. Who am I kidding, I've always looked forward to Christmas gift buying. But from now on, there will be some rhyme and reason to our Christmas gift giving to our children.
Normally, I say normally, last year, I didn't have boundaries and felt rather lost while shopping. I didn't buy that much for the kids, Chloe was 2 and Cooper was 8 months, but I felt like 'What am I going to get them?' This year, I had three ideas for each child and then I was done thinking.
My shopping is done. I finished two weeks ago! Why? Because I have direction. I have a plan. I have boundaries!
When Chloe and Cooper are older, we will have set ourselves up rather nicely.
FYI, they still get stockings, just under $15.00 worth of stuff. Chloe's will be filled with varies flavors of Lip Smackers.
They're good for your lips and make a wonderful snack.
She's one of not very many.
When asked what she and her hubby were getting their daughter for Christmas she said, "Well, she won't get more than three gifts. We figure Jesus got three, so can she."
Ever since that blessed day of wonderful information and great ideas, I have been totally stoked for Christmas gift buying. Who am I kidding, I've always looked forward to Christmas gift buying. But from now on, there will be some rhyme and reason to our Christmas gift giving to our children.
Normally, I say normally, last year, I didn't have boundaries and felt rather lost while shopping. I didn't buy that much for the kids, Chloe was 2 and Cooper was 8 months, but I felt like 'What am I going to get them?' This year, I had three ideas for each child and then I was done thinking.
My shopping is done. I finished two weeks ago! Why? Because I have direction. I have a plan. I have boundaries!
When Chloe and Cooper are older, we will have set ourselves up rather nicely.
FYI, they still get stockings, just under $15.00 worth of stuff. Chloe's will be filled with varies flavors of Lip Smackers.
They're good for your lips and make a wonderful snack.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
"Mmm, Good" Recipe
Once a month, I attend a ladies group. I'm usually the youngest by a few years, but I really enjoy being around those gals. They have much wisdom and many recipes.
November's group was a 'Soup'er Luncheon. There were four different soups that we got to try. The ladies that made the soups shared their recipes with us. This was a favorite, so I thought I'd share.
Chicken-N-Rice Soup (Makes 10-12cups) *This makes at least 2 dinners and 2 lunches for Matt and I.*
1 store bought rotisserie chicken, de-boned & torn into large bite sized pieces
1 lg onion chopped *I chop half the onion very fine*
2-3 carrots, diced *I sub the store bought shredded carrots in the produce section. They are called 'Matchstick' style carrots. I use 3/4 of the bag.*
2-3 ribs of celery, diced *I use more*
Saute vegetables in 1 stick of butter (no sub) until tender
Add: 2 tsp each- dried thyme, poultry seasoning, 1tsp pepper, no salt *I only add pepper and I do add a dash of salt to the saute-ing veggies.*
Saute 2-3 minutes longer, then add the chicken pieces and stir 1-2 minutes.
Add 1 can cream of chicken soup and stir, then add 8 cups of chicken broth. *There is a 48oz thing of broth in the grocery store. I've added 10 cups so it would make more meals.*
Let simmer. Taste, if it needs salt, add chicken broth cubes. If it is too salty, add a little water. *Mine never needs anything.*
While soup is simmering, cook 1 (4-6 ounces) box of Uncle Ben's Long Grain Wild Rice according to package directions. Add to soup mixture and stir.
Let simmer about 10 minutes and serve. *Very yummy with Saltine Crackers*
I do not normally like carrots or celery, but this recipe is so yummy. The celery is tender and not crunchy and the flavor is slightly buttery. I make this when there are a few nights in a row that I can tell I am not going to be in the cooking mood.
Try it and let me know what you think!
November's group was a 'Soup'er Luncheon. There were four different soups that we got to try. The ladies that made the soups shared their recipes with us. This was a favorite, so I thought I'd share.
Chicken-N-Rice Soup (Makes 10-12cups) *This makes at least 2 dinners and 2 lunches for Matt and I.*
1 store bought rotisserie chicken, de-boned & torn into large bite sized pieces
1 lg onion chopped *I chop half the onion very fine*
2-3 carrots, diced *I sub the store bought shredded carrots in the produce section. They are called 'Matchstick' style carrots. I use 3/4 of the bag.*
2-3 ribs of celery, diced *I use more*
Saute vegetables in 1 stick of butter (no sub) until tender
Add: 2 tsp each- dried thyme, poultry seasoning, 1tsp pepper, no salt *I only add pepper and I do add a dash of salt to the saute-ing veggies.*
Saute 2-3 minutes longer, then add the chicken pieces and stir 1-2 minutes.
Add 1 can cream of chicken soup and stir, then add 8 cups of chicken broth. *There is a 48oz thing of broth in the grocery store. I've added 10 cups so it would make more meals.*
Let simmer. Taste, if it needs salt, add chicken broth cubes. If it is too salty, add a little water. *Mine never needs anything.*
While soup is simmering, cook 1 (4-6 ounces) box of Uncle Ben's Long Grain Wild Rice according to package directions. Add to soup mixture and stir.
Let simmer about 10 minutes and serve. *Very yummy with Saltine Crackers*
I do not normally like carrots or celery, but this recipe is so yummy. The celery is tender and not crunchy and the flavor is slightly buttery. I make this when there are a few nights in a row that I can tell I am not going to be in the cooking mood.
Try it and let me know what you think!
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