Where I Am Today: in the basement.
Metaphorically speaking (since I don't have a basement), this is where I feel like I've been camped out for a few months now. At first I really enjoyed the quiet, aloneness of the dark basement. When I was in high school we moved to a new house. I got first pick of the rooms because my sisters had first picks at the previous two houses. Right smack dab in the middle of the house was a wonderful room with it's own little bathroom. Instantly I chose it, not because of the bathroom, but because of it's location. Literally it was in the middle of the house and had no windows! It was my cave and I loved it. I painted it dark blue and covered the walls with random stuff and could have spent every minute of every day in my cave. I got so used to the darkness that I had to put a towel over the clock and rolled up under the doors, because any hint of light drove me crazy. I'm weird, I know. So a few months ago when I started settling into the quiet, darkness of my new metaphorical basement, I was really happy! But somehow over time, the basement started getting musty and a little too dark and I started feeling like I needed to move that towel and let a little light in. The only problem was, there was no light to be found. At least on my own. The last few weeks I've been very unsettled and uncomfortable in my basement so I've thrown a few pity parties to try and liven up my living conditions. They didn't work. This past Sunday at church during the worship time I was once again desperately trying to find some kind of light to breakthrough the dark place I've been feeling like I've been in. Instead I got a little tap on the shoulder and there was a man waiting to give Alan and I a word. Over the span of my life I've probably received 100's of "words" from 100's of people. Some have been encouraging, some troubling, some down right crazy, and some divinely from God. As usual, I leaned in to listen and graciously receive whatever he had to say. Here's what came out of Royce's mouth.
"I see you guys in this basement. It's getting very dark and smoggy, and musty like basements that have been shut up for a while do. You've been wondering how much longer you're going to have to stay here. If you don't get a fresh breath you feel like you're gonna scream. All of a sudden I see this plate glass window on the ceiling of the basement and this rock just comes flying through the air and busts through the glass and floods the basement with light and fresh air. Then I see that basement moving and all of a sudden it's now the top floor of the building."
When he was done sharing with us, he quietly walked away and the worship team was singing this verse: "Because You're with me, because You're with me, because You're with me, I will not fear."
God is with me even in the basement. Even when I can't see Him or feel Him, He's there. In the musty, smelly, foggy basement, He's never left. And He has amazing ways to remind me of that. He'll use a man I hardly know or a song to speak straight to my fears and questions. I'm glad that I'm in the basement right now. Still waiting on that glass shattering rock, but you know, it's ok if it doesn't come right away. I know that God is right here with me, right where I'm at. And interestingly enough, I've written two songs this week! They aren't the generic sing-songy things I'd been writing in an effort to churn out some manufactured sounding "good" songs. These are really coming from deep in my heart. I'm able to just pour out what I've been thinking and feeling in a prayer like way to God. My prayer today is not for a quick release or a desperately needed breath of fresh air, but rather for contentment and a deeper trust in my God who is right here with me on this journey. It's my prayer for you today too.
On a great note: we finished a song!! It's actually Alan who has poured in all the time and work into it. And it's his song 100%! He wrote it, produced it and is singing it which was really hard to convince him to do, but it sounds amazing! I can't wait to share it with you all. Hopefully soon. Pray that we will find more time in the midst of Alan's job, our family, and everything else that consumes our life, to record. We have 4 or 5 songs waiting in the wings, ready to be recorded and a few others somewhere in the recording process. It feels really good to know I'm doing what God asked me to do even if I don't know the plan of how it's all supposed to work!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Songwriting Success!!
Can I just say how great it feels to have a song written, recorded, and almost completed?? I say almost because if you know my husband he will be doing more tweaking and adding and subtracting and whatever else he does until it's perfect or until he's sick of messing with it that he'll finally release it and call it done. This song is called "Time to Fall." Alan had this great musical idea that he and our drummer friend, Landon laid down and he told me to write some words to it. He gave me the first line and the rest just came out. I love it when songs come out like that, because it's know it's God. His songs are sometimes labored over for days, weeks, sometimes even years, but mostly in my experience, they just flow out pretty easily.
We were at a bit of a stand still with recording for a while. Our house got hit by lightning about a month ago and our studio computer was fried!! We lost pretty much everything we had been working on. Truly it was a blessing because now Alan has the computer he really wanted for the studio.
Someone asked me the other day, "so, what are you doing with these songs?" That's a really great question!!! Our first goal is to record a 3-4 song demo and give them away!! We feel like we need to sow some seed into whatever this thing is that God is asking us to do, so that's what we're gonna do. We're sowing songs with the expectation that God will give us more and we're sowing resource with the expectation that God will bless us with every resource we need!!
So, be on the look out for more music to come from the Riches!
So there's the update! Songs are coming!
We were at a bit of a stand still with recording for a while. Our house got hit by lightning about a month ago and our studio computer was fried!! We lost pretty much everything we had been working on. Truly it was a blessing because now Alan has the computer he really wanted for the studio.
Someone asked me the other day, "so, what are you doing with these songs?" That's a really great question!!! Our first goal is to record a 3-4 song demo and give them away!! We feel like we need to sow some seed into whatever this thing is that God is asking us to do, so that's what we're gonna do. We're sowing songs with the expectation that God will give us more and we're sowing resource with the expectation that God will bless us with every resource we need!!
So, be on the look out for more music to come from the Riches!
So there's the update! Songs are coming!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
OMG!!
Oh my goodness! I haven't blogged in nearly a month! I'm sure you all are wondering what I have been up to! ;) Well, I'll tell you.
What I've been up to:
Today I just finished up the City View Ladies Fall retreat. They asked me to lead worship and I enjoyed the weekend immensely! Marci Brinkley was their speaker and she was wonderful. Just so practical and down to earth and very open about her life story. It was refreshing to be with such friendly, God-loving women! Last weekend, I got to lead worship for the Church on the Rock Ladies Conference. I guess it's that time of year for women to get fed!! It was a great conference. In the midst of all this ministry my kids have been taking turns getting sick! I guess Satan just hates what God is doing and trying to get me distracted! That God for a husband and some other great family (uncle Josh!) to help look after my little ones while I do what I love to do, lead worship! Now everyone is on the mend.
What I'm looking forward to:
Well, next weekend is my 10 year high school reunion. Honestly I'm surprised at myself that I'm going. I was not a super social person in high school. In fact, I was probably quite a nerd even though I hat to admit it! I think every high school student does whatever they can to find a niche, a place to belong and fit in. For me, it was choir! Who would have ever guessed??? I wasn't just in the choir, I was ALL ABOUT choir. Show choir, varsity choir, choir president...yeah, that's right, I said it, choir president. There's a new show on Fox called Glee, and although I'm quite disappointed in some of it's inappropriateness, I can so relate. I was that choir geek, all the way. So anyways, next weekend is the reunion. Over the last few years I have been doing a little self-evaluation and I realized that there were some insecurities in me that I just didn't want to carry with me for the rest of my life. I kind of always assumed that people wouldn't want to be my friend or get to know me for weird reasons. Either I wasn't cool enough, I wasn't in their same social circle or whatever lame reason I could come up with. Really I was just insecure and uncomfortable in my own skin, and I decide NO MORE!! I think I'm a pretty cool girl. Who wouldn't want to be my friend?? So, I'm going and I'm dragging my husband (on his birthday!) and I'm going to talk to people and not discredit myself. It should be fun!!
What's freaking me out:
Ok, I'm only slightly freaked out, but freaked out nonetheless. In my attempt to not count myself out of things in an effort to overcome some insecurities, I agreed (was talked into) to be the 4th grade Room Parent coordinator for Taylor's school. In the recruitment process, the lady in charge totally down played the weight of this role. "It'll just be a little party planning for the classes, a little coordination of the room moms, but really they're the ones who do all the work. Ms. Daniel thought you would be an excellent candidate. Blah, blah, blah." So I said yes! Well, I went to the first meeting and OH MY GOSH!!! There was a giant notebook with so much information about this "tiny little job." My initial reaction was major freak out, but I have decided to suck it up and get it together. I am totally capable of doing this job. So, I'm gonna do it, and I'm gonna do it with a good attitude and a smile on my face! Apparently being a head room mom is a bit cut throat (I know, ridiculous) and there is so much competition between some of these parents to one-up the others. So, my approach is going to be organized, positive, and all about the kids. I'll let you know how it goes...
What's new this week:
I'm teaching again!! Just one afternoon a week, I have 5 students, but I'm really glad to be doing it again. I have always loved teaching music, so it should be fun. Shout out to the wonderful Ally Hall who is not only the world's greatest babysitter, but she is so super talented and I can't wait to see where her talent and her love for the Lord takes her. That girl is a worship leader!! Her heart is amazing.
What I recommend:
Music: Right now I've been listening to a CD that my friend Marla gave me. It's actually her talented husband, Justin Barnard's CD Fightsongs. Great worship.
Books: Too bad I don't read!! Well, that's not entirely true. I just don't read often, however, I was given a book called The Organic God by Margaret Feinberg who was the speaker at COTR's Women's conference. I do plan on reading it soon! I'll let you know how it is, but if you already want to know, ask my sister Paige, because she's read it and she's always reading something!
TV: I would love to recommend Glee, and after the premiere I did recommend it to everyone I met on the street! But the last few episodes have been a little bit racy, and I'm not sure I'm gonna stay hooked. I still always love Project Runway and Top Chef, and now that PR has moved to Lifetime, they're on at the same time which is a first. The Office is back so I'm excited about that. I promise I do more than just watch TV all the time!!!
Food: Amish Friendship Bread!! My pal, Jennifer Watson gave me this bag with a bunch of goo in it a few weeks ago along with these instructions on what to do with it. 10 days later, I had some of the yummiest bread, and it makes more bags of goo to give away to friends! Let me know if you want your own bag of goo, and in about 8 more days I'll have one for you!!
What I'm missing:
Time with my husband!!! Alan's company is down to him and one other employee so he is working well over 40 hours a week which cuts into our studio time and time spent together. Plus of course I've been busy the last few weekends with ministry stuff, so we need to find some time to hang out and reconnect. His birthday is next weekend, so maybe I can surprise him with something. Any ideas???
Well, that just about sums up my life the last few weeks.
What I've been up to:
Today I just finished up the City View Ladies Fall retreat. They asked me to lead worship and I enjoyed the weekend immensely! Marci Brinkley was their speaker and she was wonderful. Just so practical and down to earth and very open about her life story. It was refreshing to be with such friendly, God-loving women! Last weekend, I got to lead worship for the Church on the Rock Ladies Conference. I guess it's that time of year for women to get fed!! It was a great conference. In the midst of all this ministry my kids have been taking turns getting sick! I guess Satan just hates what God is doing and trying to get me distracted! That God for a husband and some other great family (uncle Josh!) to help look after my little ones while I do what I love to do, lead worship! Now everyone is on the mend.
What I'm looking forward to:
Well, next weekend is my 10 year high school reunion. Honestly I'm surprised at myself that I'm going. I was not a super social person in high school. In fact, I was probably quite a nerd even though I hat to admit it! I think every high school student does whatever they can to find a niche, a place to belong and fit in. For me, it was choir! Who would have ever guessed??? I wasn't just in the choir, I was ALL ABOUT choir. Show choir, varsity choir, choir president...yeah, that's right, I said it, choir president. There's a new show on Fox called Glee, and although I'm quite disappointed in some of it's inappropriateness, I can so relate. I was that choir geek, all the way. So anyways, next weekend is the reunion. Over the last few years I have been doing a little self-evaluation and I realized that there were some insecurities in me that I just didn't want to carry with me for the rest of my life. I kind of always assumed that people wouldn't want to be my friend or get to know me for weird reasons. Either I wasn't cool enough, I wasn't in their same social circle or whatever lame reason I could come up with. Really I was just insecure and uncomfortable in my own skin, and I decide NO MORE!! I think I'm a pretty cool girl. Who wouldn't want to be my friend?? So, I'm going and I'm dragging my husband (on his birthday!) and I'm going to talk to people and not discredit myself. It should be fun!!
What's freaking me out:
Ok, I'm only slightly freaked out, but freaked out nonetheless. In my attempt to not count myself out of things in an effort to overcome some insecurities, I agreed (was talked into) to be the 4th grade Room Parent coordinator for Taylor's school. In the recruitment process, the lady in charge totally down played the weight of this role. "It'll just be a little party planning for the classes, a little coordination of the room moms, but really they're the ones who do all the work. Ms. Daniel thought you would be an excellent candidate. Blah, blah, blah." So I said yes! Well, I went to the first meeting and OH MY GOSH!!! There was a giant notebook with so much information about this "tiny little job." My initial reaction was major freak out, but I have decided to suck it up and get it together. I am totally capable of doing this job. So, I'm gonna do it, and I'm gonna do it with a good attitude and a smile on my face! Apparently being a head room mom is a bit cut throat (I know, ridiculous) and there is so much competition between some of these parents to one-up the others. So, my approach is going to be organized, positive, and all about the kids. I'll let you know how it goes...
What's new this week:
I'm teaching again!! Just one afternoon a week, I have 5 students, but I'm really glad to be doing it again. I have always loved teaching music, so it should be fun. Shout out to the wonderful Ally Hall who is not only the world's greatest babysitter, but she is so super talented and I can't wait to see where her talent and her love for the Lord takes her. That girl is a worship leader!! Her heart is amazing.
What I recommend:
Music: Right now I've been listening to a CD that my friend Marla gave me. It's actually her talented husband, Justin Barnard's CD Fightsongs. Great worship.
Books: Too bad I don't read!! Well, that's not entirely true. I just don't read often, however, I was given a book called The Organic God by Margaret Feinberg who was the speaker at COTR's Women's conference. I do plan on reading it soon! I'll let you know how it is, but if you already want to know, ask my sister Paige, because she's read it and she's always reading something!
TV: I would love to recommend Glee, and after the premiere I did recommend it to everyone I met on the street! But the last few episodes have been a little bit racy, and I'm not sure I'm gonna stay hooked. I still always love Project Runway and Top Chef, and now that PR has moved to Lifetime, they're on at the same time which is a first. The Office is back so I'm excited about that. I promise I do more than just watch TV all the time!!!
Food: Amish Friendship Bread!! My pal, Jennifer Watson gave me this bag with a bunch of goo in it a few weeks ago along with these instructions on what to do with it. 10 days later, I had some of the yummiest bread, and it makes more bags of goo to give away to friends! Let me know if you want your own bag of goo, and in about 8 more days I'll have one for you!!
What I'm missing:
Time with my husband!!! Alan's company is down to him and one other employee so he is working well over 40 hours a week which cuts into our studio time and time spent together. Plus of course I've been busy the last few weekends with ministry stuff, so we need to find some time to hang out and reconnect. His birthday is next weekend, so maybe I can surprise him with something. Any ideas???
Well, that just about sums up my life the last few weeks.
Monday, August 31, 2009
My life recently
Have you ever seen a sweeter, cuter, more precious baby??? Love my MK!
What's been happening in the Rich household? 
Alan and Landon working in the studio!
Alan and I waiting outside to get in!
Love these girls!
We have great friends. Patrick was squatting so he could be in the picture, and we could not stop laughing at him.
Hooray for awesome worship with Hillsong United!!!
Now that school is back in session, I am trying to get really scheduled in many areas of my life. I will admit I have not always been Mom-of-the year when it comes to school mornings. I used to be very anti-getting out of bed before 8 am. My husband would get up and get Taylor in the shower, dry her hair when she got out and took her to school. All while I was usually snuggled up in my bed. Well, this year, no more!! I have decided that when the alarm goes off at 6:15, I'm getting up. Last week, I thought it would be so hard, but I honestly loved it! The quiet was so amazing! I would get up, get Taylor in the shower, make myself a cup of tea and just sit and read or pray and enjoy the total silence in my house. This is such a rarity!!! My plan is to keep it up! I am now on a mission to find a time to work out on a regular basis. If I will put it into my routine I can do it. I just have to make myself do it!
Taylor on the first day of school. My big 4th grader!
What does Leslie do with all her time now that she's not working??
Taylor on the first day of school. My big 4th grader!What does Leslie do with all her time now that she's not working??
Funny you should ask! I am really enjoying my life right now. I am once again excited about writing music. I have always had a love/hate relationship with songwriting, and right now I'm in the love zone. I think because I've made it part of my routine I am enjoying it more. Am I the only one who can't focus on things unless everything is taken care of and I don't have to worry about anything else during that designated time? I have found that if I want to work on music I can't just drop everything and do it whenever I get an idea or feel inspired. I have to set aside time, get a babysitter or let Alan occupy the girls so I can just focus on whatever ideas I have at the time. So far, it seems to be working. I'm really excited that the little girls will start Children's Day Out next week so I will have lots of time to work on music!!
Alan and Landon working in the studio!What am I looking forward to in the next few weeks??
1. Ava's 3rd birthday! I can't believe my little girl is almost 3!! Where does the time go?? This week I have to get everything ready for her Dora birthday party.
2. Leading praise and worship! I'm going to be helping out the worship team at Church on the Rock Labor Day weekend. I am also leading for the COTR Women's conference September 18th-19th. I am really excited about it! I know God has some great things in store for both of these weekends and I'm excited to be a part of it!
3. Pajama Party!! During the COTR Women's Conference I am hosting a Pajama Party for all of the Jr. High and High School girls on Friday night! I am really excited to do this. I really have a heart for these girls because I know how hard it can be to be a teenage girl. I was once there!! I will be talking about friendship, and we are just going to have lots of fun. I have asked some of my friends to help me with it and I can't wait to see what all God does!!
4. Road trip to Dallas!! I am going to meet my cousin Angie in Dallas in a few weeks for some shopping, catching up, and some fun!! The really exciting part is that I get to go all by myself!!! I am super jazzed about having some alone time on the drive and spending time with Angie. Thanks to my wonderful husband for letting me go! He's really excited to keep the girls. He's such a great dad. I can't guarantee that they will have a bath everyday or that they will eat anything healthy while I'm gone, but I've just learned that as long as they're having fun and bonding, that's ok.
Finally, I will leave you with a few pictures of what's been going on. Some are of our fun, quick trip to Dallas last week. Alan and I went with some friends to see Hillsong United. It was super fun, and of course the concert was amazing!!
Alan and I waiting outside to get in!
Love these girls!
We have great friends. Patrick was squatting so he could be in the picture, and we could not stop laughing at him.
Hooray for awesome worship with Hillsong United!!!Thursday, August 20, 2009
The World According to Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart is such an interesting place. I go to Wal-Mart often and it never ceases to amaze me. On my last visit a few days ago, I was reminded of so many universal rules, but somehow the Wal-Mart atmosphere just brings it all home. Like, for example, I was reminded again that there is someone for everyone out there. I was standing in the checkout line and the couple behind me were just so made for eachother!! They were so strange and I don't even want to share what their conversation was about, but they were such a perfect match for one another. It reminded me of the couple I saw a few months ago at Wal-Mart who both had the biggest wads of chewing tobacco in their mouths. That's right, the girl's wad was actually slightly larger than the guys. And of course I don't realize it until I ask them a question from behind and they turn around to reveal the disgusting hunk of nasty stuffed in their lower lips. Only at Wal-Mart.
On another recent trip, I realized that kids can sleep anywhere, especially a Wal-Mart shopping cart. I was slighty alarmed to see one boy passed out on the bottom of the basket covered in stuff! I guess because it was mainly toilet paper and spray cans of cheese his parents thought he wouldn't get too squished. I'm telling you, no matter what time of day you go, you can find a sleeping kid in a basket somewhere in the store. It has always amazed me the number of small children that get dragged out to the store way past a normal bedtime! And they are never happy. What 3 year old would be? Who wouldn't be upset if their mom got them all dressed for bed in their comyf little pj's and then said, "Ok kids, get in the car! We're going to Wal-Mart! Yes, I know it's after 11:00 pm, but we are running low on toothpaste and motor oil. Let's go!"
Ok, now that I'm sitting here reflecting (judging) on my Wal-Mart experiences, I can only wonder, am I one of these "Wal-Mart people"?? Let's go through the list: 1. I don't dip. 2. I never take my kids to Wal-Mart past 8:00 pm. 3. I've never covered up one of my kids in spray cheese. I think I'm good!!
I must say, for all of it's craziness and quirks, I enjoy shopping at Wal-Mart. It's really close to my house. I always save money when I shop there opposed to other stores. I love that I can go to one place and buy groceries, toiletries, electronics, clothes, lightbulbs, and anything else I might possibly need, all at the same time!!!
On another recent trip, I realized that kids can sleep anywhere, especially a Wal-Mart shopping cart. I was slighty alarmed to see one boy passed out on the bottom of the basket covered in stuff! I guess because it was mainly toilet paper and spray cans of cheese his parents thought he wouldn't get too squished. I'm telling you, no matter what time of day you go, you can find a sleeping kid in a basket somewhere in the store. It has always amazed me the number of small children that get dragged out to the store way past a normal bedtime! And they are never happy. What 3 year old would be? Who wouldn't be upset if their mom got them all dressed for bed in their comyf little pj's and then said, "Ok kids, get in the car! We're going to Wal-Mart! Yes, I know it's after 11:00 pm, but we are running low on toothpaste and motor oil. Let's go!"
Ok, now that I'm sitting here reflecting (judging) on my Wal-Mart experiences, I can only wonder, am I one of these "Wal-Mart people"?? Let's go through the list: 1. I don't dip. 2. I never take my kids to Wal-Mart past 8:00 pm. 3. I've never covered up one of my kids in spray cheese. I think I'm good!!
I must say, for all of it's craziness and quirks, I enjoy shopping at Wal-Mart. It's really close to my house. I always save money when I shop there opposed to other stores. I love that I can go to one place and buy groceries, toiletries, electronics, clothes, lightbulbs, and anything else I might possibly need, all at the same time!!!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
This is starting to catch on...Where I am...
In the style of my fabulous big sister, I'm going to write a "Where I Am" blog. I always enjoy reading hers, and have enjoyed others lately in the same style. So, here goes!
Where I Am- Saturday, August 15, 5:37 pm
I am sitting in "my chair" on our sectional. Does everyone else have unwritten but understood seats on their furniture? I really love my couch/sectional. We've had it for a about a year and a half. It's the first "real" piece of furniture we've owned/bought ourselves. Everything else we've had has been hand-me-downs (which we are super grateful for, don't get me wrong!). I am watching my two little girls play on the floor, although I have to keep a very watchful eye on Ava
since she loves to torment MK for some reason. She starts out nice enough, but you can see it in her face when she's starting to get too "excited" and ready to pounce! Alan is asleep in "his chair" next to me and Taylor is crashed out in her room. She had her first slumber party at a school friend's house last night. I was a little nervous! I had met the girl's parents and they are very nice people, I just don't know them as well as I would like yet. But when is the appropriate time to grill people on their beliefs, personal family history, rules, regulations, blood type, mother's maiden name, credit score, etc.???
What I'm listening to:
This one is going first since I'm usually ALWAYS listening to something! Yesterday, I bought the new Hillsong Live CD: Faith:Hope:Love. It's pretty good. Here's the thing: I am the biggest Hillsong fan there is, but every time I get a new CD of theirs I have to listen to it several times before I'm a fan. I think it's because I have to learn the songs a little bit. I guess that's true about all music. Hillsong though always has songs that I learn and they get inside of me and become truth and life and then I really start loving the CD because I can worship with it instead of just listen to it. Every new CD they come out with I always say after the first listen, "It's not as good as the last one" and then a few weeks later I'm saying "It's even better than the last one!" All that to say, I still listen to the Hillsong United CD Across the Earth more, and it is my FAVORITE!!! Ok, other than Hillsong, there is a new live worship CD called Generations Unleashed and it is really good. I just love a good live worship CD. Something about capturing the dynamic of a corporate worship time. If done well, it's just so powerful!
What I'm reading:
This section will be short, because I'm not much of a reader. Alan and I have been reading "Crazy Love" by Frances Chan. We are both really liking it. It's one that makes you think. The most interesting thing I've read lately is my cousin Angie's blog.
What I'm watching:
I am probably more of a TV watcher than I should be. Right now, I am totally into Top Chef Masters and Design Star! Just finished up another season of The Next Food Network Star. I love competition reality shows, especially cooking shows! I also love Food Network Challenges. The ones where they make these incredible cakes that should take days in 8 hours. Love it!
What I'm doing:
Lately, I'm doing a lot of cooking. I think the TV shows are inspiring me. I've always enjoyed cooking and baking, but I've really found it therapeutic in some ways. Thursday night I hosted a Batch-Cooking Night at my house and we had about 20 ladies here! I couldn't believe we had such a great turn-out. I'm anxious to see how many ladies start batch cooking.
Alan and I have been spending a lot more time in the studio. We are writing songs and trying to find time to record them. I'm honestly VERY ready for school to start. I love the routine of it and I need a break! Is that horrible to say? Now that I'm not working I'm with my girls all day, every day. Please don't read this the wrong way! I love my kids! I know it is a huge blessing that I am able to stay home with them and I don't have to work a full-time job to pay the bills and have my kids in daycare everyday. I love my time with them. I think I need the mental break more than anything. It's hard for me to stop everything and work on music when I know there are 3 little people that must be attended to. It's hard to just shut myself off and not think about the laundry or feeding the girls or whatever else might need to be done at the time. This is not hard for Alan at all!! I'm sure anyone with a husband understands this! I'm just not wired that way, and I think that's ok. It will just be nice to have a routine where I can schedule music time when I know my kids are being well taken care of at school. The little girls will go to Children's Day Out 2 days a week and Taylor will be in 4th grade!
What I've been thinking about:
I think I've shared (or perhaps overshared) in another blog about adopting Taylor. This week we've had some issues come up with this. I don't really want to say a lot about it other than we just need prayer. Actually, just pray for Taylor. I will never understand all that she has to deal with and go through concerning the situation, but she is amazingly mature and thoughtful in the way that she handles it all. Regardless of what we want and the fight that may lay ahead, I just want God's will to be done. I think I'm still trying to decide what that is. The good thing is, I don't have to figure it all out. That's why He's God and I'm not.
What I'm excited about:
Alan and I are going to Dallas August 25th with some friends to see Hillsong United! I've been to 2 conferences and several worship nights of theirs over the past few years and I always get so excited to see them. It feels weird to say "see" them, because it's not like a concert at all. It's an amazing night of powerful worship that I always walk away from refreshed and refocused on what it means to experience His presence. Honestly, it's sad that I can't seem to achieve this sort of thing on a more regular basis, but I'm working on it.
Well, I'm off to make some Sloppy Joe's!!
Where I Am- Saturday, August 15, 5:37 pm
I am sitting in "my chair" on our sectional. Does everyone else have unwritten but understood seats on their furniture? I really love my couch/sectional. We've had it for a about a year and a half. It's the first "real" piece of furniture we've owned/bought ourselves. Everything else we've had has been hand-me-downs (which we are super grateful for, don't get me wrong!). I am watching my two little girls play on the floor, although I have to keep a very watchful eye on Ava
since she loves to torment MK for some reason. She starts out nice enough, but you can see it in her face when she's starting to get too "excited" and ready to pounce! Alan is asleep in "his chair" next to me and Taylor is crashed out in her room. She had her first slumber party at a school friend's house last night. I was a little nervous! I had met the girl's parents and they are very nice people, I just don't know them as well as I would like yet. But when is the appropriate time to grill people on their beliefs, personal family history, rules, regulations, blood type, mother's maiden name, credit score, etc.???
What I'm listening to:
This one is going first since I'm usually ALWAYS listening to something! Yesterday, I bought the new Hillsong Live CD: Faith:Hope:Love. It's pretty good. Here's the thing: I am the biggest Hillsong fan there is, but every time I get a new CD of theirs I have to listen to it several times before I'm a fan. I think it's because I have to learn the songs a little bit. I guess that's true about all music. Hillsong though always has songs that I learn and they get inside of me and become truth and life and then I really start loving the CD because I can worship with it instead of just listen to it. Every new CD they come out with I always say after the first listen, "It's not as good as the last one" and then a few weeks later I'm saying "It's even better than the last one!" All that to say, I still listen to the Hillsong United CD Across the Earth more, and it is my FAVORITE!!! Ok, other than Hillsong, there is a new live worship CD called Generations Unleashed and it is really good. I just love a good live worship CD. Something about capturing the dynamic of a corporate worship time. If done well, it's just so powerful!
What I'm reading:
This section will be short, because I'm not much of a reader. Alan and I have been reading "Crazy Love" by Frances Chan. We are both really liking it. It's one that makes you think. The most interesting thing I've read lately is my cousin Angie's blog.
What I'm watching:
I am probably more of a TV watcher than I should be. Right now, I am totally into Top Chef Masters and Design Star! Just finished up another season of The Next Food Network Star. I love competition reality shows, especially cooking shows! I also love Food Network Challenges. The ones where they make these incredible cakes that should take days in 8 hours. Love it!
What I'm doing:
Lately, I'm doing a lot of cooking. I think the TV shows are inspiring me. I've always enjoyed cooking and baking, but I've really found it therapeutic in some ways. Thursday night I hosted a Batch-Cooking Night at my house and we had about 20 ladies here! I couldn't believe we had such a great turn-out. I'm anxious to see how many ladies start batch cooking.
Alan and I have been spending a lot more time in the studio. We are writing songs and trying to find time to record them. I'm honestly VERY ready for school to start. I love the routine of it and I need a break! Is that horrible to say? Now that I'm not working I'm with my girls all day, every day. Please don't read this the wrong way! I love my kids! I know it is a huge blessing that I am able to stay home with them and I don't have to work a full-time job to pay the bills and have my kids in daycare everyday. I love my time with them. I think I need the mental break more than anything. It's hard for me to stop everything and work on music when I know there are 3 little people that must be attended to. It's hard to just shut myself off and not think about the laundry or feeding the girls or whatever else might need to be done at the time. This is not hard for Alan at all!! I'm sure anyone with a husband understands this! I'm just not wired that way, and I think that's ok. It will just be nice to have a routine where I can schedule music time when I know my kids are being well taken care of at school. The little girls will go to Children's Day Out 2 days a week and Taylor will be in 4th grade!
What I've been thinking about:
I think I've shared (or perhaps overshared) in another blog about adopting Taylor. This week we've had some issues come up with this. I don't really want to say a lot about it other than we just need prayer. Actually, just pray for Taylor. I will never understand all that she has to deal with and go through concerning the situation, but she is amazingly mature and thoughtful in the way that she handles it all. Regardless of what we want and the fight that may lay ahead, I just want God's will to be done. I think I'm still trying to decide what that is. The good thing is, I don't have to figure it all out. That's why He's God and I'm not.
What I'm excited about:
Alan and I are going to Dallas August 25th with some friends to see Hillsong United! I've been to 2 conferences and several worship nights of theirs over the past few years and I always get so excited to see them. It feels weird to say "see" them, because it's not like a concert at all. It's an amazing night of powerful worship that I always walk away from refreshed and refocused on what it means to experience His presence. Honestly, it's sad that I can't seem to achieve this sort of thing on a more regular basis, but I'm working on it.
Well, I'm off to make some Sloppy Joe's!!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Batch Cooking Night!
I am very excited about Thursday night! I am hosting a Batch-Cooking "Tell All" night at my house. I have batch cooked for a while now, but this last time I did it, I cooked with someone new. She was fabulous! So organized, so together, it just made it even more fun! And when we were finished I came home with 46 meals to put in my freezer. We have saved SOOOOO much money just by eating at home more. And the food is good and much healthier than eating out all the time. After sharing a little about my cooking madness (on Facebook and Twitter) there was an overwhelming response to Missy and myself for pointers, recipes, tips, etc. So after thinking about it for a while, I thought, "Why not??" This may sound crazy, but I am actually very nervous about it!! I am no expert, so I am doing everything I can to be prepared and get all my thoughts straight so I can sound like I know what I'm talking about!
I think the reason I am most excited to do this is because I know it will bless others families. I know how much it has blessed mine! And not just all the food. It's a blessing of more time. Even though the two days of planning, shopping, and crazy amounts of cooking are a lot of time away from my family, the time that I save scrambling to get dinner on the table everyday is huge! It has also been a blessing for me to get to spend lots of time with different ladies. My first batch cook was several years ago with a dear friend, Jenifer. She showed me the ropes, and eased me into it. I realized that I could do it, even though it seemed like an overwhelming task. She is super mom by the way, raising four kids and all that goes along with that. But she made it seem easy and attainable. Now four years later, I'm still doing it! I've cooked several times with my sister-in-law and it has been good bonding time for us. You will talk about everything under the sun with a batch cooking partner!! After 14 hours of cooking chicken, browning meat, and opening cans, there's no telling what you will be talking about!! I found that to be true after cooking with Missy this last time. I also found Missy to be extremely gracious, putting up with my multiple mistakes. Note: It is important to "seal" the bottom of the bag BEFORE you begin pouring in the apricot chicken marinde!
It is a blessing to know that I am contributing to my family's well being. Now that I'm not working, I feel the need even more to "contribute." I feel like it is now my job to save us even more money, now that I'm not bringing home a paycheck! So all that to say, this Thursday I am excited about sharing the blessing that batch cooking has been in my life with friends. It's not too late! Let me know if you want to come and I will give you more details!
I think the reason I am most excited to do this is because I know it will bless others families. I know how much it has blessed mine! And not just all the food. It's a blessing of more time. Even though the two days of planning, shopping, and crazy amounts of cooking are a lot of time away from my family, the time that I save scrambling to get dinner on the table everyday is huge! It has also been a blessing for me to get to spend lots of time with different ladies. My first batch cook was several years ago with a dear friend, Jenifer. She showed me the ropes, and eased me into it. I realized that I could do it, even though it seemed like an overwhelming task. She is super mom by the way, raising four kids and all that goes along with that. But she made it seem easy and attainable. Now four years later, I'm still doing it! I've cooked several times with my sister-in-law and it has been good bonding time for us. You will talk about everything under the sun with a batch cooking partner!! After 14 hours of cooking chicken, browning meat, and opening cans, there's no telling what you will be talking about!! I found that to be true after cooking with Missy this last time. I also found Missy to be extremely gracious, putting up with my multiple mistakes. Note: It is important to "seal" the bottom of the bag BEFORE you begin pouring in the apricot chicken marinde!
It is a blessing to know that I am contributing to my family's well being. Now that I'm not working, I feel the need even more to "contribute." I feel like it is now my job to save us even more money, now that I'm not bringing home a paycheck! So all that to say, this Thursday I am excited about sharing the blessing that batch cooking has been in my life with friends. It's not too late! Let me know if you want to come and I will give you more details!
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