Sunday Rest

I am the Lord your God,

who teaches you what is best for you,

who directs you in the way you should go.

If only you had paid attention to my commands,

your peace would have been like a river.

Isaiah 48:17-18

Travel and Admiration

I'm still working my way through the questions from Ask-Away-Day. You girls did great with the questions... lots of variety!

My new bloggy friend Kay asked: Why don't you tell us where you took your favorite vacation. Was it a family trip, couple or solo? How long was it and what made it so special?

Our most recent family trip to Maine ranks up there at the top. But if I had to choose one trip, it would be my trip to Europe last winter with my traveling buddy (my mom). Specifically Fussen, Germany and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany. Both are quaint, old (as in 700 years old!) cities, rich in history, with amazing views, and charm. We were able to spend 7 days in Germany, visiting my brother who happened to be deployed there at the time(tough deployment, wink wink). He was our tour guide and chauffeur. It was a fantastic trip. I highly recommend visiting Germany in the winter. It is the "off" season so the crowds are low and it is gorgeous. The picture above was taken from the Neuschwanstein Castle. My hubby doesn't like to fly but he encourages me to travel and enjoy the world. I love that man!

Samantha asked: Besides the obvious(God, Jesus, and your mom) who is/are you role model/s? People you look up to, admire, respect, and strive to be like. Why?

I've learned that people (including myself) will always disappoint if I expect too much {perfection} from them. Therefore, I cautiously answer this question. The first person that comes to mind is Beth Moore. Not only has she written numerous books and speaks to thousands each year, she is REAL. She's funny, in love with Jesus, beautiful inside and out, and caring. Unlike some big-name speakers, I've watched her join women in the crowd, get down on her knees and love on them. She's not pretentious or condescending. She is transparent and joyful. Most of all, she is IN LOVE with her Savior. I want that ... desperately.

I admire Alyssa Ann at Resolved to Worship, not only because she is an amazing photographer, mother of 7 beautiful children, and has a surreal ability to turn trash to treasure, but because she is wise beyond her years. I always feel refreshed and encouraged after visiting with her.

Ree ranks up there too, with her ability to cook, write, homeschool, blog, and take amazing photographs... everything I want to be able to do when I grow up. ;)

These were such good questions, I want to ask you the same:

1. Favorite vacation destination?

2. Who do you admire and why?

May I Suggest...

It's crunchy like a chip but a pretzel. The best part? FAT FREE! You can find similar ones at the grocery, but they're pretty pricey. Trader Joes is much cheaper.

My favorite way to make my non-fat treat full of fat enjoy my pretzel slims is to dip them in this:

It's World Market's version of Nutella ... crunchy!

The perfect snack.

I'm not a big breakfast girl, but cold mornings are better with this:

This stuff is hard to find. Let me know if you run across some. I'm thinking I could make my own version with quick oats and dried cranberries. Hmm...

My newest favorite: Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer. It adds moisture with a little menthol/peppermint buzz.

BE FOREWARNED: It's not just a touch of color as I first thought. I originally went with Papaya but it was super dark. Thank goodness for CVS easy return policy. I recommend Peony for a nice everyday color.

Okay, so guess I'm a little into the cuisine this week. If you are trying count the calories this little gem is great. It is full of flavor, low in fat and calories, and perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Have a "smart snack" suggestion? Please share!

Here, There, Everywhere

I love to move furniture. Love. It. This table has been used in almost every square inch of our family room/foyer. Hello, my name is NEM and I have an addiction. It is now back to its original spot out of necessity. I'll explain in a moment. However, by moving it I had the task of coming up with something tall because it is now in our foyer which has 20' ceilings. To give you a little perspective, that round wicker bowl is about 30" in diameter. I had some sticks in my upstairs hallway and tried them out. At about 4' tall they fixed the height issue. It's kind of a nice neutral look for winter, too.

Yesterday I touched on decorating for winter. Another thing I like to do is pull out my winter art. (I don't have art for other seasons, just winter. They are my grandfather's handiwork and he must have loved winter).
See these cute winter acorns? I found them at Ross $3.99 for 3. I think they were supposed to be giant ornaments, but I thought they would be great for winter.
Back to my moving furniture thing. I don't have ADD, really. My children are growing, much to fast, if you ask me, and they decided to outgrow their little desks in the schoolroom over Christmas break. So I gave up my desk for the greater good of my children's learning needs. This left me with no place to sit and pretend like I am watching tv with the kids work on the computer in the family room. So we moved this secretary from the foyer into the family room.

Hello friends. This is where we chat everyday. Right here. :)

See the 3rd acorn? More of my grandfather's winter scenes, too.
QOTD:

Do you like to move furniture? Why or why not?

No Winter Blues

After my brief hiatus last week, I want to keep our conversation going. You'll find the Question of the Day at the bottom of this post.

January is the month of simplicity. After the month of December, it is a welcome change, but sometimes it's hard to find non-christmasy winter decorations. Apothecary jars are the perfect place to have subtle hints of winter. Three kinds of fake snow (found on sale right after Christmas) is a simple and inexpensive way to fill them.

I found these sparkly little styrofoam balls in the floral section.

This little tree was 75% off of $1.99 in the Christmas Village section at K-mart.

Speaking of trees:

I added a few silver snowflakes and the mini snow hats to my white sticks.

Don't get the winter blues... add a little white or a little sparkle to celebrate the season.

P.S. This was a good excuse to show off my new 12x18 canvas print of my babies. :)

QOTD:

Do you decorate for winter?

What's your favorite thing about January?

Sunday Rest

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,

though the earth give way and

the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam and

the mountains quake with their surging.

Psalm 46:1-3

The Week's Top 10

10. Husband left for a manly hunting trip to Arkansas.

9. I threatened to dress in camo and hide among the 4-wheelers to hitch a ride so I could visit all of my Arkansas bloggy friends (give me a shout out if you are from the Greatest Duck Hunting state in the Union).

8. Headed to the NC mountains with 3 kids, 1 dog, homeschool materials and enough snow gear to line the inside of a cruise ship and head to Alaska.

7. Said dog puked no less than 5 times on the way.

6. The only place to pull off I-40 to clean up puke was Harper's Gentlemen's Club.

Fortunately the kids were so traumatized by the amount of regurgitation on the floorboard they didn't even notice the sordid place.

5. Enjoyed an afternoon of this:

Love this action shot

My dad trying to enjoy himself (heehee)

4. Despite the below-norm winter temperatures we've experienced throughout Dec-Jan, Wednesday chose to be warm enough to rain. Not snow. Rain.

Wednesday was our day to ski. Sniff, sniff.

3. Only blogged once. Sorry. I was on vacation... sort of.

2. Drove home in an ice storm (yes, the day after we had rain) and barely avoided a falling icy tree by 2 feet on the winding mountain road.

1. Stayed up until 1:30 a.m. last night to prepare for our first homeschool co-op. Procrastination at its best.

How was your week?

Not a Debate

I don't like confrontation. Period. If I'm not happy at a restaurant, I'd choose to never come back rather than say anything. As I've gotten older, I've had to become more assertive, but still avoid arguments at all costs. Unless you mess with my bear-cubs, then momma bear shows up.

This is a strange way to start a blog post about our choice to homeschool, but I want you to know that this is not a debate over what type of schooling is the best. To level the playing field, let me begin by saying that I grew up in private school (loved it), taught in both private and public schools (loved it), and our two oldest attended public charter school for 3 and 5 years each respectively.

When our oldest child was ready to start kindergarten, friends would ask if we were going to homeschool. I think they asked that because of my teaching background. At that point I did not -in the least- feel called to homeschool. I had my hands full with a toddler and a new born and I knew my limitations. We considered private school, but because of the cost, it would only be a one year option. We were fortunate enough to be in a good base (public) school district, but I felt strongly about 3:45pm afternoon release being much too long of a day for kindergartners. We applied to a public charter school, knowing that if we got in, it was the Lord's doing because there were 10 slots available and over 300 applicants. We did get in, and for the first two years it was an answer to prayer. The school had an early release (1:30pm) and a low teacher/ student ratio. Even though the school had one of the highest scores in the county, we began to see things that were disturbing. Performance over character; test scores over students' needs; undiplomatic administration, etc...

When my oldest was in 3rd grade, I thought I was going to lose my mind. Sometimes being a former teacher is a great thing. Sometimes it makes being a parent tough. As my child began to struggle at that school, I was torn between being the parent who supports the teacher and the former teacher who knew what the problem was: the teaching methods. During that year, I happened to hear a friend of mine say something in passing that caught my attention and planted the seed of possibility: the possibility that the Lord might be calling us to homeschool. I argued and wrestled with that thought for almost a full year. I didn't say anything to my husband. I just, as we like to say, wrastled! During my wrastling I began to notice families that homeschool. Much to my surprise, I discovered something that I didn't think was possible: they were... normal! I've spoken before about my stereotyping. I thought that if I began homeschooling, I would be reduced to wearing mom-jeans, no makeup, and my 4 year old might ask me to nurse him again. ;) During the course of that year, my heart was softened, and the layers of prejudice were peeled away.

In October of her 4th grade year we had a better teacher, but my child had already been earmarked by the administration. (This is when momma bear has a really hard time.) I began to pray and ask the Lord to make it very clear if we were to homeschool. One of the most clarifying moments was when I approached my husband about it. My black-and-white, quick-to-give-his-answer husband simply said, "Let me pray about it." Whoa! This was serious. After about two weeks, (of which I kept quiet and didn't push, thankuverymuch) he said, "I think we should try it." I didn't want this to be my decision, or even our decision.We wanted this to be a God thing. We made a list of pros and cons. The list of pros grew long and, to our surprise, the list of cons remained at 2. Over the course of the next few months we received confirmation after confirmation, some big, some small. Nevertheless, we witnessed God's faithfulness as he gently guided us to this decision.

Should we have homeschooled from the beginning? No. We weren't called to do that.

Just because something is "good" doesn't make it right if it's not the Lord's will.

What about socialization? Bwahahaha! My kids are extremely socialized. The difference? Let's just say that I've watched my 5th grader bloom. I began to see things in her social behavior that bothered me. There wasn't anything wrong with the girls in her class, but I began to notice a negativity that was spreading like a cancer. My 5th grader still has friends her age and she has her own personality, but I am seeing that loving, caring, nurturing, joyful little girl again.

I only get one chance at this.

Someone recently told me that I can't shelter them forever. I'm not trying to shelter them. I'm nowhere near forever. I've been called to train them up in the way they should go... to be godly, productive members of society. If I can protect their innocence as long as possible and provide a healthy, nourishing environment then why judge me?

Do I judge those who choose public school? Absolutely not. Do I think those who send their children to private school have the advantage? No. Do I regret the "time lost" while my children were in school? Nope.

No judgement. No guilt. No regrets.

If we as parents would step away from blanket statements/ opinions about schooling, we just might step out of the way enough to let the Lord speak to individuals.

So there you have it. Bless your heart for sticking with me for this long. It was a long answer to a short question. Speaking of questions, last week I had an "ask me" day. A couple of the questions were about homeschooling:

Tracey asked: You have conquered 1/2 a year of homeschooling. Is there anything that surprised you about this journey? I didn't realize how much would be available to me as a homeschool mom: good deals, support groups, teacher resources etc... My favorite curriculum resource? The Well Trained Mind.

What are your top 2 likes and dislikes about homeschooling? I love the flexibility of the day. We can get so much done and still have time for them to be kids (another soapbox for another day). I also love how easy it is to tailor to their strengths and weaknesses. I dislike lesson planning. It's more work than I anticipated. Not awful, but definitely work. I can't think of another "dislike" right now. Well, maybe that I sometimes need there to be 3 of me.

If someone were to start today, what's the number 1 piece of advice you would give them?? Whoa, girl, that's a loaded question! My number one piece of advice would be this: you can do it.

O Mom asked:

Do you plan on home schooling all the way through high school? That kind of scares me. The whole transcripts and calculus and chemistry thing. We still have 3+ years to decide. Whew!

What if one of your kids wants to go to H.S.? We will always listen to the opinion of our children. We might not act on that opinion since we, as parents, have been given the responsibility to make the big decisions for them. What we will listen to, is the Lord's calling. Do you belong to any home link programs like through your public school? At the risk of sounding dumb, what's that? So to answer your question, no. We are, however, starting a co-op on Friday. I'll let you know how that goes. ;)

To wrap up this dissertation post, I want to say that our decision to homeschool has been the best decision that we've ever made. My fears have been put to rest: I was worried about mommy burn out. We've been at this for 6 months and I still like being a mom (whew!) I was afraid they would get sick of each other. They have a closer sibling relationship than they have ever had. I was worried about my ability to teach my own kids. Rather, I am much more aware of their needs, strengths, weaknesses and learning styles.

Is it perfect? No. Do we love it? Yes!!!

Feelin' the Love

Girls, girls, girls! (and the handful of men that put up with my silliness) This has been such a fun week. My love tank is full thanks to all of your comments and the beautiful conversation we've had. Hugs, hugs, hugs!

Let's keep this conversation going...

#1. What is your biggest pet peeve?

#2. Favorite dinner that you make on a regular basis?

#3. Favorite author?

#4. What is your hardest time of day? Best time of day?

Today I will start the daunting task (okay, if I'm honest it's totally fun) of answering your questions from Tuesday. If you still have a question, feel free to ask. There were several "big topic" questions that I will save for next week and answer in a full post (i.e. parenting, faith, marriage, schooling).

Sarah asked if you could live anywhere in the world, cost not a factor, where would it be? Hmm... I would say one of three places: #1 would be on a ranch (with lots of ranch hands to help with the hard labor) near Jackson Hole, Wyoming; #2 in the mountains of NC on a ranch with a view #3 Maine in the summer, Germany in the winter. We can dream, can't we. :)

She also asked what magazine do you usually read from cover to cover every single time?

Southern Living. I love the home and garden photos and tips, recipes and travel tips.

Her last question was what is one vice that you have? One? Only one?

Well, I have friends that get tons of stuff done when the kids go to bed. One of my dearest friends cleans like a mad woman after 8pm. Obviously we are not related, because at 8pm, the kids go down and so do I ... onto the couch for time with my hubby or just to veg. If my "chores" aren't done by the time they go to bed, then it doesn't get done. Period. Oh, and I have my p.j.'s on, so if you ever drop by after 8pm, be prepared to be welcomed in flannel. Ooh la, la!

We have kept our kids' bedtime at 8pm because I need it. This is my time to rejuvenate. If my kids are up, then I'm not as good of a mom the next day. We do allow our older 2 to read until 8:30 sometimes, I know, we're wild like that. Before you get all judgy, we're not rigid. We believe in a fun movie night, slumber party, whisper and giggle night. Everyone knows their limitations and 8pm is mine. This is also time for my secret snack.

Another vice? A very messy closet floor.

My friend Amber asked if you could be a candy bar what kind would you be? That's what I love about that girl... it's all about the sweets! I would have to say a Take-5... so many layers, so rich, so sweet. A little crunchy, a little salty, a lot of chocolate.

Rachel asked what moment in life would you relive if you could go back in time? I would say the birth of each of my children. There is no other day like it.

CPQ wanted to know if I have any exciting ideas for breakfasts. Bwaaahaaa! When I really want to stir things up for my kids, I pull out the raspberry Toaster Strudels rather than the typical frozen pancakes, cold cereal, or instant grits. My oldest has finally learned about the finer things in life from moi and we enjoy homemade crepes together about once a week. My mom does have several great recipes, so go visit her and ask for her Strata recipe and her Apple Omelet recipe. They're divine.

Don't forget to answer the questions for today.

Hugs!

More About You and a Little About Me

I didn't know what I was getting myself into with this question/answer thing. Wow!! You girls have asked some amazing questions. There's no possible way to answer them all in one post, so I'll try to answer them in groups over the next few days. (Not to worry, this girl is always looking for blog fodder... thanks!) If you didn't get a chance to ask a question, it's not too late. Go here and leave a comment.

But first, here are your questions for the day:

#1. Where did you go on your honeymoon? Did you like the place (notice I didn't ask if you had fun, ahem) and would you go back if given the chance?

#2. How often do you exercise? C'mon, be honest! What is your exercise of choice? Okay, if this question is keeping you from commenting, just answer like this:

#2, no comment

#3. What is your favorite item in your kitchen?

To keep things fair, here are my answers from the week:

Are you a snacker? If so, what time of day does the snack attack happen and what do you love to snack on? I like to have a "secret" snack after the kids go to bed. Secret meaning that I don't have to share or create perfectly even portions. I crave gelatinous stuff: tapioca, flan, rice pudding, bread pudding. Unfortunately, my thighs say "you are what you eat." Sigh.

When you have time to yourself, what do you do? Well, I usually try to catch up on everyone's blog, but my favorite way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon is to read (which usually leads to a nap). I love a good historical fiction, modern fiction, courtroom fiction. I'm quite fictitious!

How old were you when you had your 1st child? 26

What is your least favorite household chore? the shower, hands down

BTW, those of you (and there were MANY) who wrote about putting the laundry away, let me help: that's why God created children. It's okay to make them do it.

Boot, heels, or clogs? Clogs. But if I had a good pair of cowgirl boots, I'd be all over that.

Where did you go on your honeymoon? Colorado. Yes, I'd go back, love that state!

How often do you exercise? Not enough, but I'm working on that. It's sad when the Wii Fit tells you that it has missed you. Whatevah. What is your exercise of choice? Walking with friends (miss you, Erin and Gina).

What is your favorite item in your kitchen? I have two. I know, I just broke my own rule! My Cocoa Latte machine and my William Sonoma Spoonulas.

Now it's your turn... I want to know!

*If you are reading this from a reader, could you click over to my home page and take my little marriage poll? Thanks!

Tell me, tell me!

We are celebrating a week of conversation here at N.E.M. If you've just joined us you might want to click here to catch up. Yesterday you had the chance to ask me some questions (which I am still sorting through and promise to answer this week).

Remember, it's really hard to have a one sided conversation, although I have had several in my lifetime, ugh. So here are my questions for you today, as random as they may seem:

#1. How old were you when you had your 1st child?

#2. What is your least favorite household chore?

#3. Boot, heels, or clogs?

Don't be shy. I want to know!

Ask Away Day

Today is your day to be nosy. No really, it's okay! Have a burning question? Go for it. Too embarrassed to ask? Just click on the anonymous button on the comment section. Never left a comment? Click on the little part that says "Sweet Thoughts from Friends" at the bottom of this post (it's super easy).

I'm open to your questions, silly or serious, food, family, decorating, marriage, opinions... whatever!

**To my IRL friends: please use discernment in the wording of your questions (i.e. the names of my kids etc...)**

Hugs!!!

You and Me

Ever been in a conversation where you were a little nervous and so you talked fast and said many words without saying much at all? Some days I feel like that girl here, on the blog. I do all the talking and you, well, you are the friend that just listens without getting a chance to say a word.

Well, I'm done being nervous. I'm yours, an open book, ready to converse. No more of this one sided conversation stuff. :)

This week, I thought I'd try to have more of a running conversation with YOU. Ready? Good. Let's get started.

I have 2 questions for you today. Tomorrow you get to ask me anything (so start thinking of your burning questions, silly or serious).

#1. Are you a snacker? If so, what time of day does the snack attack happen and what do you love to snack on?

#2. When you have free time at home I hear your snickering, what do you do.. besides read my blog? ;)

No, laundry and other chores do not count. Do you knit? Craft? Read? Surf the net? I really want to know.

Advertise

Interested in spreading the word about your products?

Email me and we'll chat.

My prices are very reasonable and you can choose how long you want to commit (1 month, 3 months, 6 months)

neweveryam@gmail.com

About Me

I'm a 30-something girl with a laid back personality, who happens to obsess over wall colors, fabrics, and spray paint.

I am living my dream job as a mom and wife.

Some things that take me to my happy place, in no particular order:

~chai lattes

~decorating

~the mountains

~my husband in a clean shirt

~my children laughing together

~travel

~reading, writing and blogging (not 'rithmatic)

~photography

~Jesus

~river kayaking

~laughing out loud

I'm a former educator who just picked up the textbooks again to homeschool my 3 children. It's been the best decision we've ever made, but some days I just have to pretend I know what I'm doing. ;)

My faith is part of who I am. Without Jesus I am nothing. I don't know how I would handle all that life throws at us without knowing God is right here, holding me in His hand.

This blog is a creative outlet for me. It started as a journal, but has morphed into a great place to interact with my readers and friends. I like to keep it real, inspire, encourage, and top it off with humor. Life is too short to not laugh at myself.

Contact Me

Have a question?

Want to make a suggestion?

Need to chat?

Send me an email at:

neweveryam@gmail.com

Sunday Rest

My lovingkindness and my fortress,

My high tower and my deliverer.

My shield and the One in whom I take refuge.

Psalm 144:2

Facebook Personalities

I joined the world of Facebook about six months ago after much pressure encouragement from friends. It has been a fun way to stay connected with friends, new and old.

I love to watch people, in the mall, at the airport etc... As I've "watched" people on Facebook, I've noticed that most of them fall into one of these categories:

Foodie - each of my posts consist of how healthy -or- unhealthy I am eating

Woe is Me - I like the world to feel sorry for me. I'm having a bad day (yet again) and want everyone to know

Weird- I make no sense to anyone else, but I sure find myself funny

Exercising my Pride - Guess how much weight I've lost. Guess, guess! I've just completed 89 minutes on the elliptical machine for the second time today.

Comedian- I have a good sense of humor and keep life fun for all of my friends

Silent Film Star- I'm on Facebook often, yet you never hear me say a word. Basically I stalk all of my friends. I'm a little creepy.

Who Cares?- Wanna know what color my shoestrings are today?

Just for Kids - I have lost my own identity. Even my profile picture is of my kids.

It's all about the Numbers - I don't say much, and we really don't know each other, but will you be my friend so that it looks like I'm really popular?

Gamer- I play Facebook games all day and I am not ashamed. In fact, I'll gladly post the link.

Well Rounded - Sometimes I'm funny, sometimes I share news or tips, sometimes I am serious, sometimes I complain, sometimes I am silent. Facebook is not my life, just a great place to catch up with friends that I don't get to see that often.

Are you a Facebooker? If not, you're still cool with me. If so, which of these describes your FB personality? Have a new category you'd like to add to the list? I'd love to hear!

May I Suggest...

I could write a book about this book. Did you know that the FDA does not regulate the marketing of cosmetics? This books dispels the myths about skin care, make-up and the industry's marketing schemes. BUT, it doesn't just give you the bad news. It is a wealth of knowledge even down to the specific brands and products from hundreds of cosmetic companies. It is laid out in an easy-to-read design, with a purchasing guide in the back.

If you are not willing to purchase the book on my word (which I totally understand), check it out from the local library. You (er, your face) will be amazed!

Having too many bad hair days? Check out her other book here.

I received this magic little machine for Christmas. The Cocoa Latte machine makes all of my hot beverages a frothy delight. Here's what I love about it: I simply pour the milk and dry (or wet) chai mix in and turn it on. The same for hot chocolate. I can reheat coffee and add flavored creamer for a frothy afternoon thrill. In the past I have heated such beverages in the microwave, but it just doesn't stay warm. The Cocoa Latte keeps the liquid hot until I turn it off. For around $25 you, too, can enjoy (much better than $225 for a espresso/steamer machine!). Heather suggests looking at your local thrift store, too.

After listening to Christmas music 24/7 since the beginning of November, I was ready for a change. I found this little gem at the bookstore. It is a refreshing new take on some old songs with a few new ones thrown in the mix.

**All of these "reviews" are of my own free will and desire to keep my readers informed, and state my opinion. I didn't get paid, or offered free stuff from these companies... just stuff I like. :)

EASY winter craft

This craft is great for kids (over the age of 6) and requires only 2 supplies:

A paper towel tube and yarn.

That's it.

Let's get started...

Cut the tube into 1/2" rings.

Cut SEVERAL 10" pieces of yarn (color of your choice). I found it easier to wrap it around a book before cutting .

Using one 10" piece, fold it in half and slide the loop up into the middle of the ring.

Bring the ends up through the "hook" of the loop around the ring and pull to tighten.

Continue to add pieces of yarn, making the loop knots for each one.

When you get done, it will look like a little hula skirt, or beard, or sea urchin.

Take the ends of the beard and push them (all of them, but not all at once, if you don't want) up through the middle of the ring.

Now there should be a "band" around the ring.

Pull all of the strings tight and tie one string around the bottom (about 2" from the band)

Snip the tops of the strings to create the ball for the top of your MINIATURE STOCKING CAP

Isn't that just adorable?!

It is a fun, easy craft, with minimal mess (holla), and doesn't require a lot of brain cells.

Sunday Rest

He is like the light of morning at sunrise

on a cloudless morning,

like the brightness after rain

that brings the grass from the earth.

2 Samuel 23:4

Happy New Year

Nothing says winter like a good bowl of soup. As you celebrate the dawn of a new year, here is a recipe full of flavor and warmth from my kitchen to yours.

Chicken Barley Soup

1 cup chopped/diced onion

1 cup chopped/shredded carrots

1 cup chopped celery

3 garlic cloves, diced

2/3 cup white wine

4 cans chicken broth

2 cups water

juice of one lime

pepper to taste

2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

Boil 1-2 hours. Add 1 cup barley boil 20-30 minutes more.

Enjoy!