Saturday: Cleaned house, packed, drove to Lakeland for dinner out and the Chris Tomlin concert with Louie Giglio (it was great by the way). It was our 3rd time seeing Chris Tomlin in concert and our first time with floor seats, we both really enjoyed it. The 3 of us spent the night at my mom and Tim's house.
Sunday: The 5 of us (my mom, Tim, Matt, Elyse and I) drove to Orlando, checked in at the hotel and left Elyse with grandma and Tim so Matt and I could take a client of his to the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. After we got back to the hotel we all went to Downtown Disney and ate dinner at the T-Rex Cafe'. We expected a long wait, over-priced food but a fun atmosphere. The food wasn't cheap but it was really good and the atmosphere was so much fun for Elyse. I took a video using my iPhone of her at the restaurant. There was a "meteor shower" every 20 minutes and the dinosaurs would come to life and there would be a prehistoric storm of sorts. It was animated, noisy, dark and very entertaining to Elyse. You'll have to take my word on how adorable the video was because it accidentally got deleted. Matt and I were both bummed when we realized the video was gone. She would look around the restaurant with wide eyes in such amazement then her jaw would drop. It was seriously one of the cutest things ever.
Monday: Disney day. Did any of you see the weather? Sunday's weather report forecasted "scattered storms" but led us to believe it would still be a good day to go to the theme park. We awoke to a little drizzling but the radar stilled seemed promising so we all headed to the Magic Kingdom in hopes that it wouldn't last all day. It did. It rained and it poured. We purchased overpriced ponchos and chose rides where the lines were almost all covered but by 2pm we had our fill and went back to the hotel in hopes that after a long afternoon nap, it would blow over in time for an evening at the park. The only part that came true was the long nap, the rain didn't ease up for a second. We decided to check out a day early and head home since the forecasted weather for Tuesday didn't look any more promising.
Tuesday: We are home. It's gorgeous out. I've lost some confidence in weather predictions.
I'd say I would post pictures but because of the rain I hardly took any. We did the best we could but our Disney weekend turned out to be a bit of a drip (pun intended).
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Despite how much I've learned lately, I'm finding myself feeling rather overwhelmed at the moment so this afternoon I decided to break it down. It isn't what ifs, if onlys, or whys, I'm finding it's more that I'm allowing small things to have big shadows.
The big thing hanging over us is our move. Our house has been under contract for almost 4 weeks and we heard almost no news of real progress on the sale in that time. We looked around at potential homes here and there a bit but were advised not to start packing yet or signing any contracts, and we agreed with this advice. Well, long story short, the buyers changed lenders and things started moving very quickly. We have 3 to 4 weeks to find somewhere to live, pack, move out of and move into a home during one of Matt's busiest seasons.....with a toddler, while pregnant.
We can handle this. I know we can. It will take planning, organization, time off work for Matt and probably some help from family and friends, but it will be fine. However, it's this one big thing that's hanging there that I'm allowing to cast unrealistic shadows on other smaller things. For example, our long weekend trip to Disney this weekend. Not a big deal. Should be a very exciting and fun time for all of us. Instead, I'm stressing about the packing, whether or not this is what we should be doing during all of this (this was planned even before the house stuff became an issue), whether it's how we should be spending money with so many other unknown factors involved. I'm allowing "the most magical place on earth where dreams come true" to somehow seem like a burden.
Then there's the shadow cast by things that I'm choosing to do now (I'll go into more detail another time)versus later, for my own reasons, but it will be hard and create more stress for a little while but the end result will be very worth it. I've been debating waiting because of everything else that's going on but it's also, in part, because of these other factors that have prompted me to do it in the first place. Should I procrastinate because it's easier and more comfortable now to just wait? I really don't want to and I certainly don't want that to be my answer why.....but it does put one more thing on my plate that wouldn't otherwise be there.
Then of course there are the other little things like getting the final plans organized for a friend and I to get together to make a cake for my older sisters baby shower next weekend, going to the 3 doctor appointments Elyse and I had this week plus usual errands, chores and hiccups of life. None of those things deserve any sort of shadow but I allowed them one.
I sat down and made a list of these so called things and the fact of the matter is they're just small. When separated and removed from beneath the umbrella of the one big thing, they almost seem nonexistent. They are what we call "life". Nothing crazy, nothing extraordinary, just things that need to be prioritized and acknowledged, but nothing that deserves to unsettle my peace. The peace that I aim to abide within this home. No, they just aren't big or worthwhile enough.
350 times in scripture God tells us not to fear. He knew we would be prone to it and that we would need to hear that. It isn't a suggestion, but a command. Worry and anxiety are a form of fear and the more I've studied, the more I've learned that those words are interchangeable because they all disturb the peace of your mind.
Freedom from this lies in obedience and I'm called to trust and acknowledge that He will make straight and direct my paths (Provers 3: 5-6).
This whole path to contentment thing is found through faith in God and faith is our weapon against blocks in contentment. What do I know about faith?
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:6).
Funny how small and insignificant things can seem what put in the correct light.
The big thing hanging over us is our move. Our house has been under contract for almost 4 weeks and we heard almost no news of real progress on the sale in that time. We looked around at potential homes here and there a bit but were advised not to start packing yet or signing any contracts, and we agreed with this advice. Well, long story short, the buyers changed lenders and things started moving very quickly. We have 3 to 4 weeks to find somewhere to live, pack, move out of and move into a home during one of Matt's busiest seasons.....with a toddler, while pregnant.
We can handle this. I know we can. It will take planning, organization, time off work for Matt and probably some help from family and friends, but it will be fine. However, it's this one big thing that's hanging there that I'm allowing to cast unrealistic shadows on other smaller things. For example, our long weekend trip to Disney this weekend. Not a big deal. Should be a very exciting and fun time for all of us. Instead, I'm stressing about the packing, whether or not this is what we should be doing during all of this (this was planned even before the house stuff became an issue), whether it's how we should be spending money with so many other unknown factors involved. I'm allowing "the most magical place on earth where dreams come true" to somehow seem like a burden.
Then there's the shadow cast by things that I'm choosing to do now (I'll go into more detail another time)versus later, for my own reasons, but it will be hard and create more stress for a little while but the end result will be very worth it. I've been debating waiting because of everything else that's going on but it's also, in part, because of these other factors that have prompted me to do it in the first place. Should I procrastinate because it's easier and more comfortable now to just wait? I really don't want to and I certainly don't want that to be my answer why.....but it does put one more thing on my plate that wouldn't otherwise be there.
Then of course there are the other little things like getting the final plans organized for a friend and I to get together to make a cake for my older sisters baby shower next weekend, going to the 3 doctor appointments Elyse and I had this week plus usual errands, chores and hiccups of life. None of those things deserve any sort of shadow but I allowed them one.
I sat down and made a list of these so called things and the fact of the matter is they're just small. When separated and removed from beneath the umbrella of the one big thing, they almost seem nonexistent. They are what we call "life". Nothing crazy, nothing extraordinary, just things that need to be prioritized and acknowledged, but nothing that deserves to unsettle my peace. The peace that I aim to abide within this home. No, they just aren't big or worthwhile enough.
350 times in scripture God tells us not to fear. He knew we would be prone to it and that we would need to hear that. It isn't a suggestion, but a command. Worry and anxiety are a form of fear and the more I've studied, the more I've learned that those words are interchangeable because they all disturb the peace of your mind.
Freedom from this lies in obedience and I'm called to trust and acknowledge that He will make straight and direct my paths (Provers 3: 5-6).
This whole path to contentment thing is found through faith in God and faith is our weapon against blocks in contentment. What do I know about faith?
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:6).
Funny how small and insignificant things can seem what put in the correct light.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Matt and I both like seafood but neither of us know very much about cooking it. This is a quick and simple recipe that we have really come to enjoy and make it quite frequently. I tend to like fish with more of a sweet glaze or crusted (I've never had luck baking crusted fish myself though, then again, I haven't tried in awhile). Neither of us care for salmon so I make it using swordfish and it comes out delicious.
Sweet Lemon Salmon
Ingredients
3 tbsp light brown sugar
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 6 oz salmon fillets
salt and pepper
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400.
2. For the salmon, in a small sauce pot, combine the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons water, and the lemon juice. Place over medium heat and bring up to a simmer while stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once at a simmer, cook for 1 minute, then reserve in a warm place.
3. To cook the salmon, preheat an ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with the vegetable oil. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Add to the hot skillet, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. Flip the salmon over, brush with the brown sugar-lemon mixture, transfer to oven and cook for 4 to 5 minutes more, or until done.
I didn't take a picture of mine so this one will have to do. It's looks very good as is actually done with salmon so win win.
Sweet Lemon Salmon
Ingredients
3 tbsp light brown sugar
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 6 oz salmon fillets
salt and pepper
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400.
2. For the salmon, in a small sauce pot, combine the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons water, and the lemon juice. Place over medium heat and bring up to a simmer while stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once at a simmer, cook for 1 minute, then reserve in a warm place.
3. To cook the salmon, preheat an ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with the vegetable oil. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Add to the hot skillet, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. Flip the salmon over, brush with the brown sugar-lemon mixture, transfer to oven and cook for 4 to 5 minutes more, or until done.
I didn't take a picture of mine so this one will have to do. It's looks very good as is actually done with salmon so win win.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Trusting God with the "what ifs"
I struggle with "what if" this or that were to happen, what then? "What if.........?" Almost anything can be inserted there and I've likely pondered it. Sometimes it's silly, sometimes it's very serious, sometimes it's down right far fetched or morbid.
My bible study tackled that this week and the reading and scripture (Jeremiah 17:5-8) helped me, but something that was also very helpful were these simple questions and steps, so I thought I would share them.
1. What's your worst what if (or the "what if" you're struggling with right now)?
2. Ask yourself, would God still be God, would He still be Sovereign? Would He still be Love and Goodness?
3. Make the decision to cast this anxiety on Him knowing he cares for you. Then ask God to give you strength to live today, just today, to leave the fears and worries of tomorrow with Him.
"When what ifs come into our lives, we must ask ourselves if we're going to judge God by the circumstances we don't understand or judge the circumstances in light of the character of God." Linda Dillow
To my next what if, because I know you're out there and I know you'll come, .....I'm ready for you.
My bible study tackled that this week and the reading and scripture (Jeremiah 17:5-8) helped me, but something that was also very helpful were these simple questions and steps, so I thought I would share them.
1. What's your worst what if (or the "what if" you're struggling with right now)?
2. Ask yourself, would God still be God, would He still be Sovereign? Would He still be Love and Goodness?
3. Make the decision to cast this anxiety on Him knowing he cares for you. Then ask God to give you strength to live today, just today, to leave the fears and worries of tomorrow with Him.
"When what ifs come into our lives, we must ask ourselves if we're going to judge God by the circumstances we don't understand or judge the circumstances in light of the character of God." Linda Dillow
To my next what if, because I know you're out there and I know you'll come, .....I'm ready for you.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Elyse is going to have a ...............................
!!!!
It's a precious baby girl!
I had a scan last week and my friend wrapped the correct little brother/sister onesie tightly in a box for Matt and I to open later. There is something so special to us about finding out the gender in the comforts of our home, sitting side by side on the couch with anticipation built as high as we'll allow it, instead of being told by a stranger while lying on an exam table, we're cheesy like that though. We did something similar to this with Elyse but used a pastel pink stuffed animal, one that still sits on a shelf above her bed today. We plan to use this onesie set as our newest daughters outfit to wear home from the birthing center and perhaps it can be worn by a favorite baby doll of hers down the road.
Girls tend to run in our family. I was one of 3 girls, my sister has 2 girls, and this will be our second girl. Before finding out, Matt and I were hoping that trend would stick for us (although my sister with the 2 girls is currently expecting a sweet baby boy in May whom we are all excited about). Both of our hearts truly desired to add another girl to our family but trusted the provision that regardless of what this baby was, he or she was made specifically and perfectly for our family, and our family for him/her. We were of course over the moon with joy to see pink in that tiny box and are so thankful to be experiencing this miraculous process.
Now the long wait for the end of August to be able to meet her for the very first time!
!!!!It's a precious baby girl!
I had a scan last week and my friend wrapped the correct little brother/sister onesie tightly in a box for Matt and I to open later. There is something so special to us about finding out the gender in the comforts of our home, sitting side by side on the couch with anticipation built as high as we'll allow it, instead of being told by a stranger while lying on an exam table, we're cheesy like that though. We did something similar to this with Elyse but used a pastel pink stuffed animal, one that still sits on a shelf above her bed today. We plan to use this onesie set as our newest daughters outfit to wear home from the birthing center and perhaps it can be worn by a favorite baby doll of hers down the road.
Girls tend to run in our family. I was one of 3 girls, my sister has 2 girls, and this will be our second girl. Before finding out, Matt and I were hoping that trend would stick for us (although my sister with the 2 girls is currently expecting a sweet baby boy in May whom we are all excited about). Both of our hearts truly desired to add another girl to our family but trusted the provision that regardless of what this baby was, he or she was made specifically and perfectly for our family, and our family for him/her. We were of course over the moon with joy to see pink in that tiny box and are so thankful to be experiencing this miraculous process.
Now the long wait for the end of August to be able to meet her for the very first time!
Monday, March 14, 2011
A close friend asked me to take some pictures at her daughter's first birthday party this weekend and I couldn't help but snap a couple of my own kiddo.
This is one of her best friends!
They ran to each other and gave a big hug when we got there, it was rather cute if you ask me.
Just because I love her.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
After passing bronchitis and the stomach flu around the house, I think I can finally say we are all healthy. If you've been around the 3 of us over the past few weeks you can appreciate that this is no small feat so it brings me great joy to be able to write this as an update.
I've spent far too much time lately researching and trying out double strollers. This has got to be one of the toughest purchases I think I have made in a very long time. There are so many configurations, options and price points that it's hard to know where to begin, especially when I'm extremely unsure of how often we will need to use it. I've looked into them so much that when the baby monitor had a brief episode of static in the middle of the night, my barely aroused mind thought, "Which model stroller is that? The wheels are far too noisy!" I actually remember picturing the wheels/tires in my head along with the noise before I awoke myself enough to realize what was going on. Thankfully I have plenty of time to decide and sort all of this craziness in my head out.
I've been cleaning in areas/phases lately which has pros and cons. The house never seems to be completely clean but it's also never completely messy either. It's nice because I never get overwhelmed by it, but difficult because it makes me feel like there is always something to be done still. I'm just going to go with it though and tweak it if I need to.
I'm 15 weeks along and feel like I am pretty big already. I'm definitely bigger this time than I was with Elyse at this point which makes me a little nervous as to what will happen between now and August but I'm just going to go with that as well.
I have a few things I'd like to get done before little miss awakes from her nap so I need to get going.
I've spent far too much time lately researching and trying out double strollers. This has got to be one of the toughest purchases I think I have made in a very long time. There are so many configurations, options and price points that it's hard to know where to begin, especially when I'm extremely unsure of how often we will need to use it. I've looked into them so much that when the baby monitor had a brief episode of static in the middle of the night, my barely aroused mind thought, "Which model stroller is that? The wheels are far too noisy!" I actually remember picturing the wheels/tires in my head along with the noise before I awoke myself enough to realize what was going on. Thankfully I have plenty of time to decide and sort all of this craziness in my head out.
I've been cleaning in areas/phases lately which has pros and cons. The house never seems to be completely clean but it's also never completely messy either. It's nice because I never get overwhelmed by it, but difficult because it makes me feel like there is always something to be done still. I'm just going to go with it though and tweak it if I need to.
I'm 15 weeks along and feel like I am pretty big already. I'm definitely bigger this time than I was with Elyse at this point which makes me a little nervous as to what will happen between now and August but I'm just going to go with that as well.
I have a few things I'd like to get done before little miss awakes from her nap so I need to get going.
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About Me
- Ursula
- This blog is my hope to somehow capture moments that would have otherwise passed unnoticed, gone by simply dismissed as mundane life. I'm just a girl who adores her husband, I love the job I get paid for and am inspired by the ones I don't. I love that God has designed my life as a perfect fit for me and today I get to live it!
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