Sisters Chat (BOOKS, Part Two)

Lizzi: Today I want us to continue talking about books. Ready?

Maude:  Ready

Lizzi: First question: Are you in the midst of reading something right now? If so, what?

Maude: Oh dear - it isn't something I would recommend though... Should I still say it?

Lizzi:  Haha! Yeah, just give the disclaimer

Esther: Maude, what are you reading?!

Lizzi: I know! We're all in suspense!

Maude: I am currently reading a paranormal romance by Shana Abe. It is about people who turn into dragons during the regency area (think Jane Austen). I really LOVE the idea of combining paranormal and historical romances but this one is a little more risque than I like. That is the only reason I wouldn't recommend it.

Esther: I am reading way too many books right now... ahh!

Maude: The reason I started reading it is to broaden my romance horizons since I've just started writing in that genre I need to read more different type of romance novels

Lizzi: So kind of a homework assignment?

Maude: Exactly, Liz. But I am a "sweet" level reader not a "spicy" or "sensual" reader or writer.

Esther: I am reading "Give them Grace" by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson, which I highly recommend. It is a wonderful book on being gracious with your children. Also, I am doing a book study with some ladies and we are reading "Lies Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

Maude: I LOVE "Lies Women Believe"! I always recommend that as a study!!

Lizzi: Ooh. I may have to check out "Give them Grace"! I am always looking for helpful parenting books. I am reading 'Shepherding a Child's Heart" right now, by Tedd Tripp.

Christian Conference

I just got home from spending a week in Germany.  I attended a conference for Christian filmmakers in Europe (and other parts of the world).  It was a wonderful week of business, faith and encouragement.

The fact that was most impressed on me was the varied beliefs that the groups held while still holding the common goal of using film to reach the world for Christ.  I, personally, disagreed with most of the other Christians there on one view or another (European Christians tend to be much more liberal than many American Christians) but that didn't matter.  We were united under something far more important than theology - we were united by our love for Christ.

another birthday apart

We have been married for two years and a couple for over four years. You have grown four years older and still, we have not spent one of your birthday's together. This year is no different.  I have been doing some calculating and it would seem we have spent about 15 months of our four years of being a couple together (give or take a little). We once lived with a country between us and now we sit with the world between us.

Goodbye, Facebook!

Recently, as Facebook has been introducing changes and as they have had their big F8 meeting to introduce the upcoming makeover, I have read various articles that speak of the users' connection to the social network in "relationship" terms. One article even states that "more and more people visit Facebook out of necessity rather than desire." Necessity? Really? The claims are that the attraction has "gone stale" but that people do not leave because "all their friends are there." Okay, but "necessity?" Isn't that overreaching a little? If Facebook has become a necessity for me, then it is time to step back, evaluate, and properly realign my priorities. Sure, it is great to have a place where friends and family can connect from afar. We can share little tidbits from our day and peruse each other's photos. Nice, but not necessary. There are other means to connect (perhaps we have just forgotten?) and on a more intimate level than just a 20-word post or status update.

I have also been considering (or perhaps convicted of) Facebook's encouragement of self-elevation and focus. I find that I think of cute or clever thoughts, quotes, or happenings and phrase it in the wittiest way I can. Or, I talk about something absolutely adorable that my son has done or said. Then, I wait to see who'll "like" or comment on it. Am I the only one so easily self-focused? Please tell me I'm not! At any rate, I realize that I need no encouragement to put myself first, and Facebook does a pretty good job of feeding my love of self. Since everything that is said is seen by all, it is only human to want to display a stellar image. But, I am realizing that it is because of these things that I need to "take a break" from the social network arena for awhile. I need to evaluate whether the bad aspects of it outweigh the benefit it brings to my life. While I am thankful that Facebook easily connects me with loved ones who are not nearby, I am lying to myself if I say that is the only reason I am using it. I could call them, email them, send them a note, and share pictures through an alternate (and more private) source.

Christmas bells are ringing!

'Twas the Night B
Me and my little boy have started our Christmas time- music listening. A little early, perhaps? I think not! It is hot chocolate season, sweater season, and most certainly Christmas music season! We have been dancing to "jingle bell rock" and I have been singing him, "Hark the Herald Angels sing".   I got my early Christmas  bug from my Mother "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (aka "Twas the Night before Christmas") is her all time favorite poem; no matter what time of year.  "It has such great descriptions and brings such wonder, taking you straight back to Christmas as a child." We started early our Christmas celebrations growing up and I have every intention of doing that now! Bring on the Jingle bells!


                       'Twas the Night Before Christmas  
       (or A Visit from St. Nicholas) by Clement Clarke Moore (1823)
(or A Visit from St. Nicholas) by Clement Clarke Moore (1823)

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

Sisters chat (crazy kids)

 Esther:  Well, I thought we would talk about our kids since we all have them First question: what is the most embarrassing thing your child (or children) have done in public?
My little man is still fairly young but we have managed to have our share of embarrassing moments
  Lizzi: I can't think of anything embarrassing right now! I know I am probably jinxing myself, but my oldest is pretty reserved in public. Maybe with my second when he's a little older! 
 Maude:  We went to Chick-fil-A one day and Milton was really tired (we'd been swimming and shopping hard all morning!) - we should have just headed home.  Anyway, he wanted to walk across the parking lot holding my hand not his father's hand and he wouldn't stop crying!   He was so upset and every time we tried to shush him he only got more upset an consequently louder.  Poor little guy he wasn't throwing a fit about wanting a Happy Meal or anything just about wanting to hold his mom's hand.  It was sweet (in a way) but we ended up leaving and putting him down for a nap.  That'll teach us to EVER go out to eat with such tired kids!!

The Responsibilities of Womanhood

I've been thinking a lot about the expectations of Womanhood lately, of all the different things that women are expected to be good at and to take care of.  The list is overwhelming:

baby grin

When my son started smiling it was the sweetest thing; that little gummy smile I didn't think my heart could take it. 

Standing with a Sister

I am sure that some of you are familiar with The Voice of the Martyrs organization. They work with Christians who live in nations that are hostile to the gospel, or Christians who are persecuted for their faith.

In June of 2009, Asia Bibi was arrested for speaking the truth of Jesus to Muslim co-workers as she worked picking berries in the Punjab province of Pakistan. She was charged with blasphemy and sentenced to death. She is in jail awaiting her execution as I type this. The Voice of the Martyrs have started a petition, that I now encourage you to sign, which calls for Asia Bibi's release from prison and will be delivered to the Pakistani Embassy in Washington D.C.

“Rejoice in the Lord always;” in context

I love Paul’s exhortation for us to rejoice in the Lord always in Philippians 4:4, but I am afraid that too often we forget what was going on in Paul’s life when he wrote this, let alone the proceeding verses. If we put this verse on plaques, and even in our heads, and forget the context of this verse it will lose much of its weight. We must remember that Paul wrote from prison (1:7b; 13b).

Sisters Chat About September 11th

Maude: Well, let's get started. This week I thought we should talk about September 11th since we just remembered it on Sunday

Esther: I think that is a very good idea Maude!

Maude: My first question is:

Where were you On September 11th when the airplanes hit?

Lizzi: Well, I remember we were sitting around the dining room table for homeshooling

and got a call from our sister at work

She let us know that the first airplane had hit and so we turned on the tv

Maude: I am glad we had tv at that point in time.

Lizzi: I remember thinking it seemed like a joke... not real, you know?

Maude: very surreal

Lizzi: Especially when we saw the 2nd plane hit...

It took a few minutes for it to sink in

and then it was like a sick feeling in my stomach

Maude: Before the second plane everyone thought it was just a mistake

Esther: It is funny. I was just 12 years old and I cannot remember all the details of how we were told to "turn on the t.v."

I just remember all of us were glued to the the t.v.

I was thinking "what does this mean?"

Lizzi: Yeah, it was after the 2nd plane hit that everyone started realizing what it was

And by then the whole nation was watching

Esther: You're right Maude, it seemed like a freak accident then the other building was hit

Hohenzollern Castle in Germany

I leave for Germany in a few days so you can tell from last weeks blog and this one that I am gearing up and getting excited for my trip!!

My favourite castle in Germany (usually - when I separate it like that I think of all the other castles we visited and think, Maybe that one's my favourite instead!) was Hohenzollern Castle. 

This is the tower at Hohenzollern Castle outside of Stuttgart.  We visited this castle many times because it was so close.  My favourite thing about this castle was the road that wound around and around through several tunnels and along several walls - you knew it was planned for defense.

11 months old!

My baby would not fit in his Daddy's arms like that today,

Who Needs Sleep? (I do, I do!)

This morning sleep is foremost in my mind. I don't remember the last time I slept uninterrupted through the night. When was it? Was there a period of time when I slept through the night before my second pregnancy? Or was it before I got pregnant the first time? I am not complaining, mind you. I am so thankful that I have little blessings that awaken me from sleep. Just as my husband's snoring at night gives me pause to thank God for his presence- that he is beside me, sleeping next to me (such comfort!), the cries of my little ones are reasons to rejoice, as well. No, I am not choosing to complain, just ponder.

I remember as a preteen and teenager when I would go to slumber parties, the person who got the least amount of sleep got the most bragging rights. We would come home and tell our families, "I only slept four hours!" or "I only slept 45 minutes!" But the highest prize went to the one who could say, "I stayed up all night. I didn't even close my eyes for a minute." That child (and I know because sometimes I was the winner) would then proceed to crash for several hours while the world around him (or her) kept buzzing. How far I have come since the days of my youth! Now, at the ripe old age of 26, I am lucky to make it to 11pm!

Sleep in itself is interesting. We have to sleep. Even those valiant young "night warriors" craving the victory of pulling an all-nighter have to sleep. They can only make it so long without it. Kings and

Bonds of sisters

Today our Guest Speaker is our second oldest sister and third oldest sibling, Sam.

"Sistership goes thru many bumpy roads. 
Sometimes fights over rooms or chores or silly things

Sisters Chat (BOOKS, Part One)

 Lizzi:  Today I want to interview you all (and me, I guess!) about BOOKS!
 Maude:  Yeah!
 Lizzi:  We all love to read and so I thought it was a good topic
 Esther:  Yes!
 Lizzi:  To start, what was your favorite children's book growing up?
 Maude:  The Westing Game. How young are you talking about?
 Lizzi:  I don't know... What age were you when you liked it?
 Maude:  Elementary school
 Esther:  I love the Westing Game too!
 Lizzi:  I guess it doesn't matter the age. Just a favorite book that you remember from childhood!
 Esther:  That is still a fantastic read
 Maude:  I also loved Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles
 Esther:  I would have to say "A Wrinkle in Time" or "The Giver" would be two of my favorites
 Lizzi:  I never read 'The Giver'!
 Maude:  I liked The Giver, too!

Germany: Oberammergau & Schwarzwald

I lived in Germany for a year several years back.  My husband was stationed there with the Army and I taught Business English with a language school there.  It was an absolutely wonderful experience!!!  I love traveling and experiencing different parts of the world and Germany is one of my favourite places.

The Schwarzwald, the Black Forest, is reknown for how thickly the trees grow together.  This was during the day in the Schwarzwald but because of the little amount of light the trees let through the camera thought it was night time.  The snow was about a foot deep and during our trek my husband's boots died and he could put his finger through the sole to scratch his foot - a bit of a wet walk for him!

Simplicity

"Remember the simple pleasures in life". I found this on my dark chocolate Dove wrapper today. It was sad that I found a candy wrapper to be such a good reminder, but that is exactly what I needed to hear today. I have been feeling a little over whelmed and rushed; and I really hate feeling rushed! How easy it is to just be caught up in the rush, rush, rush of daily life; what we are all always rushing around doing is beyond me. Oftentimes when I think back upon my day that was so filled of rushing here, there, and everywhere and I take a moment to breath I have no idea why all the rushing was so necessary. I do not want to be that person who is so busy they do not have the time to pull off the side of the road to watch a beautiful sunset or forget that you can actually take the time and walk somewhere rather than drive.

Day by Day

I have been a Christian for almost twenty years. I grew up in the church and was saved during a service shortly after I turned seven. As a Christian, I have known the importance of prayer and studying the scriptures in order to grow in my relationship with God. I have known that God primarily uses these methods to speak to His followers and draw them closer to Himself. I have known that this is the best way to evaluate my perspective on my life, my motives, and my goals, and to realign them with God's perspective when needed. Yes, the benefits of consistent prayer and bible study time are matchless.

Twins?

Lizzi and I have often been taken for twins; despite the fact that we are 4 years apart in age. I always thought this a tremendous compliment since she is so beautiful.

Sisters Chat (Family Introductions)

Each Friday we will post an entry in which the three of us will talk about different things. We hope that you enjoy getting to know us better.

Maude: ‬ ‪First, I thought we should introduce our families.  I know we are all planning on using nicknames to protect our husbands and kids anonymity.  I thought it might be a good idea, if possible to choose nicknames that start with the first letter of our names so people don't get them confused.  (Although I know Esther has a special nickname picked out for her son).‬

I'll go first

Let's start with our kids:

My kids are Milton (3 years old) and Maeva ( 1 year old).

Do you guys get it?

‪Lizzi: ‬ ‪yeah- I have to think about nicknames though!‬

‪Maude: ‬ ‪Esther, do you want to introduce your son?‬

‪Lizzi: ‬ ‪there aren't a lot of good boy L names :/‬

‪Esther: ‬ ‪I have a 10 month old son, Bug ‬

‪Maude: ‬ ‪Lewis,‬

Lincoln

Lester

heehee!

‪Lizzi: ‬ ‪lionel! ‬

‪Maude: ‬ ‪ritchie‬

lol

‪Lizzi: ‬ ‪haha‬‬

‪Maude: ‬ ‪For husbands...‬

I thought it would be fun if we did use a superhero nickname like we talked about

‪Esther: ‬ ‪okay‬

My First Garden

The mulchy ground didn't hold up our corn at first so I had to pack dirt around the base of the stalks a couple of times.

We bought our first house in late May.  Then we had to pull out some trees and bushes, life happened and we didn't get a *small* garden planted until July 13th.  In fact, we chose to plant our garden in the mulch from which we pulled the bushes since our tiny, little yard is sharply slanted and we wanted to work on that later.  By the middle of July we had already missed the planting season for many vegetables and therefore only planted 4 things: sweet corn, pumpkins, carrots, and flowers.