Running Music

Chad and I have been trying to spend more time recently exercising. He started Cool Running's Couch to 5K plan at the beginning of the year, and encouraged me to start last week. I have been really needing some time to be alone and process life, so I decided to give it a try. We went to the park yesterday, and took turns running and watching the kids at the playground.

For a self-professed "non-runner," I am really enjoying this. It might have something to do with the way running makes me feel like I can escape life for a short time. I am finding that one of the keys to enjoying/surviving a run is having the right music. On my "to-do" list is to make a new running playlist, so I thought that I would ask for some recommendations. Any ideas?

And I Return

I am returning after two months of a blogging break. So much has happened that I hardly know where to begin. If you have a blog you probably would agree with me, blogging is much more about getting your feelings out than having anyone read what you write. There is something so beautiful about a catharsis.

Since I last wrote we sold our house, moved (yuck for that process), and have begun building roots in Clemson/Seneca, SC. Oh, I forgot to mention that my valiant husband resigned from a fabulous job and started another great one at Chick-fil-A in Clemson. Our intention in moving here is to give Chad the opportunity to learn everything he can about Chick-fil-A and God-willing be launched into operating his own store in a mystery location one day.

Currently, Chad is spending his days working in the Chick-fil-A kitchen and making runs to the storage unit on my behalf. I have been getting settled into a new home and life AND helping my kids do the same. We have been really enjoying meeting so many wonderful new people and reuniting with many friends that we have known for years. In case you were wondering, Clemson really is God's Country!

I want to tell the story of our home selling for those of you that haven't heard it. It is pretty incredible how God provided for us and affirmed our desire to become a part of the Clemson CFA family. We listed our house the first week of January. We had a few showings every weekend and had a few repeat showings during the time that it was listed. At the end of January, we were trying to make a decision about CFA and knew that we couldn't move forward until our house sold. It was the same weekend that we got an offer on our house. The kicker- we had to be out in 3 weeks because the buyers had sold their house and needed somewhere to go, too! So...we had to find somewhere to live in Clemson. Thankfully, my aunt invited us to live in her basement. It has been incredible! We get to see the sun rise over Lake Keowee every morning, take Jeep rides through the country, and hike as a family frequently. The kids and I are also able to take advantage of all the wonderful family events that the Clemson CFA offers. The lake is a physical reminder of the refreshment I feel when I reflect on what the Lord has done for us already.

Chad and Greer at Whitewater Falls

Cuddle time

Greer and I making some dairy-free cupcakes!

A Clemson Baseball Game

Greer, Luke, and me at Issaqueena Falls

Luke

A New Year, A New You

I will admittedly say that 2010 has started a bit chaotically. We listed our house, and feel the pressure to keep it clean all of the time. I started Luke on solid food, so frequently I find myself running late because I forgot to add the extra time it takes to feed him. Thankfully, I have found a few minutes almost everyday to pull away and read my new devotional- "The Wonder of the Cross," and have felt more renewed by the Word than I have for some time. I love the application points that they offer each day!

Chad has been running more regularly (praise the Lord for more smelly clothes to wash) and trying to eat healthier as he travels. He just finished reading Ginger Plowman's "Don't Make Me Count to Three." I will get there one day. I hope.

We had a wonderful weekend participating in a Spiritual Life Conference that was led by Kent and Barbara Hughes (writers of "Disciplines of Godly Families"). I won't go into details here because you can listen to the same things we heard on our church's website. Here is the link...http://www.firstprescolumbia.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=43244&PID=755302. Those of you in full-time ministry HAVE to listen to the ones called A Personal Pilgrimage and Back to First Priorities. As we listened to the Hughes share, thoughts of many of you popped in my head. I pray that you will know the Father's pleasure as you minister. By the way, I have always wanted to know what the Men's Talks are all about- now I can listen! Ha Ha! In my free time, right.

4 Months

After Christmas, Luke had his 4 month check-up and here are his stats:

Height: 27"

Weight: 18 lbs.

Head Circumference: 16 1/4"

This has been a big month of transition for him...

-sleeping through the night

-solid food

-rolling and scooting around

-chewing on toys and mostly his hands

-loving the jumperoo!

It has also been a huge change for me! Did I mention that he is sleeping through the night? Also, I just got brave enough to leave him in the church nursery. This weekend we had a conference, so I got lots of practice! I am in love with this little boy! There is such joy in seeing a baby that is content and happy after many months of green diapers. I'll post a picture one of these days. :) I got a MacBook after Christmas, and I am still trying to organize all of my pictures.

Mvelopes Update

In October I wrote about our deep affection for a budgeting software from Crown Ministries called Mvelopes. They have a special promotion now through the end of the month that offers a 25% discount for friends of members. I can send you an e-mail with all of the details if you are interested. If you are trying to do a better job of keeping to a budget and managing your finances in 2010, this program is for you! Just send me an e-mail or post a comment, and I will send you the information you need to sign-up.

What I will be eating on Thanksgiving

Here is a post for all of my dairy-free friends! Here is a recipe I will be contributing to my family's Thanksgiving dinner. I hope this helps you and your family enjoy the holiday more!

Pumpkin Pecan Pie (I am piecing together two recipes)

Gingersnap Crust:

2 T. butter (I am substituting Earth Balance Vegan Spread)
1 1/4 c. gingersnap cookie crumbs (about 30 cookies, Nabisco appears to be dairy free)
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in microwave and mix with cookie crumbs and vanilla. Press into the bottom and sides of a 8-inch pie plate. Bake 10 minutes and cool.

Filling: (Calls for 9-inch deep dish pie crust, so I may have to make some changes to the crust or not use all of the filling)

1 c. pumpkin
1/3 c. granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. allspice (or you can use pumpkin pie spice)

Combine and spread over bottom of pie crust.

2/3 c. light corn syrup
1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 T. butter (or subsititute)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. pecan halves

Combine corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla in a bowl; stir in nuts. Spoon over pumpkin layer. Bake for 50 minutes until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.

Happy Thanksgiving!