Hurricanes in Florida, Tornadoes in Kansas and Snow storms in Colorado...
I would just like to say a prayer of thanksgiving that throughout some of the world's natural disasters, God has sent His guardian angels to protect our families thus far and continues to keep us grounded. When the tornado hit Joplin, my heart automatically went to Sarah and her friends there. However, this morning when I saw a tornado hit Sedalia..it was too close to home for comfort. 81. 81 torndadoes in a 24 hour period. How is that even possible?? I pray God continues to protect those we hold dear.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Changes Throughout Time
I am gonna open up a topic for discussion.
Being ten years apart from each other, we are lucky to have been raised in three different "generations." In the past few years I have been in awe on how fast technology has made leaps and jumps. It is hard to find kids in high school without a cell phone and even most middle schoolers do now too. I remember I got mine my sophomore year and I was one of the last of my group. I heard in the news that a middle school has nixed text books and are now doing all school material via iPads or laptops. And this has been all since I started high school. What was the technology "big break" you had in high school?
Being ten years apart from each other, we are lucky to have been raised in three different "generations." In the past few years I have been in awe on how fast technology has made leaps and jumps. It is hard to find kids in high school without a cell phone and even most middle schoolers do now too. I remember I got mine my sophomore year and I was one of the last of my group. I heard in the news that a middle school has nixed text books and are now doing all school material via iPads or laptops. And this has been all since I started high school. What was the technology "big break" you had in high school?
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Staying grounded
My brain has been on a ferris wheel of thoughts and emotions the past few weeks and it's been hard to focus on much of anything for long.
Trauma, joy, peace, chaos and the mundane often seem to make their way into our lives without asking permission or with no warning at all.
It's when all the aspects of life leave me feeling a little blah that I'm so very thankful for the life I've lived and the influences I've had in my life. Parents that "get it." Life, that is. Sisters that listen. Brothers that would be there for me in a crisis. Friends that care. A husband who loves me. The list goes on.
I am surrounded by beautiful people.
It makes me grateful and hopeful for the future.
Trauma, joy, peace, chaos and the mundane often seem to make their way into our lives without asking permission or with no warning at all.
It's when all the aspects of life leave me feeling a little blah that I'm so very thankful for the life I've lived and the influences I've had in my life. Parents that "get it." Life, that is. Sisters that listen. Brothers that would be there for me in a crisis. Friends that care. A husband who loves me. The list goes on.
I am surrounded by beautiful people.
It makes me grateful and hopeful for the future.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Travel
So Sarah has the opportunity to go to Norway this spring and Ang is talking about making a big trip with Joel for their anniversary. I personally think us ladies of the family, Mom, Ang, Sarah and myself should make a trip to Italy in the near future. By near future, naturally I am referring to the next 5 years. After seeing Letters to Juliet, I believe Tuscany would be perfect!!! If anything, we need to start a tradition of our own. After next year, I will be able to go to vineyards and wine country so even if we stay in the states, us ladies need a retreat every other year or so. Anyone up for it!?? Italy could be the kick off to a fabulous tradition!!!
CAN"T YOU JUST PICTURE IT?!?!?!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
My favorite Food Network show
Have you ever watched Chopped on Food Network? If you haven't, you must watch at least one episode. I know what you're thinking: with all the quality network television shows to watch, it's hard to believe I opt for this instead. But it's almost impossible not to get hooked once you start watching.
It starts with 4 chefs in an appetizer round. They each get a basket with 3-4 mystery ingredients and then have 20 minutes to incorporate all of them into a dish. All ingredients must be used. Worst dish gets chopped and chef goes home. Entree round is the same, except they have 30 minutes. By the dessert round, only two chefs remain. Winner gets bragging rights and $10,000.
I mean, seriously, where else are you ever going to see people come up with an appetizer that incorporates catfish and marshmallows (yes, they really did - and I was really glad I wasn't a judge who had to try 4 different versions of it). Or watch them figure out just how to cook ostrich meat or eel correctly. Or make a dessert out of tomatoes and chocolate. All in 20 to 30 minutes. This is high drama at it's best, folks!
I'm most impressed that not only do the competitors usually come up with dishes that use all the ingredients, they actually meet the time deadline and most of the time, the dishes actually look pretty good. I'm pretty sure I would still be trying to figure out what to do with the ingredients by the end of the time limit, much less actually cooking and plating anything to be judged.
As if this show wasn't awesome enough, this week they started...are you ready for this??...Chopped All-Stars, where the chefs who host shows on the Food Network channel compete against each other. I can't wait to see who gets grouped together to compete - talk about must-see TV! Hope you get to watch - Bon appetit!
It starts with 4 chefs in an appetizer round. They each get a basket with 3-4 mystery ingredients and then have 20 minutes to incorporate all of them into a dish. All ingredients must be used. Worst dish gets chopped and chef goes home. Entree round is the same, except they have 30 minutes. By the dessert round, only two chefs remain. Winner gets bragging rights and $10,000.
I mean, seriously, where else are you ever going to see people come up with an appetizer that incorporates catfish and marshmallows (yes, they really did - and I was really glad I wasn't a judge who had to try 4 different versions of it). Or watch them figure out just how to cook ostrich meat or eel correctly. Or make a dessert out of tomatoes and chocolate. All in 20 to 30 minutes. This is high drama at it's best, folks!
I'm most impressed that not only do the competitors usually come up with dishes that use all the ingredients, they actually meet the time deadline and most of the time, the dishes actually look pretty good. I'm pretty sure I would still be trying to figure out what to do with the ingredients by the end of the time limit, much less actually cooking and plating anything to be judged.
As if this show wasn't awesome enough, this week they started...are you ready for this??...Chopped All-Stars, where the chefs who host shows on the Food Network channel compete against each other. I can't wait to see who gets grouped together to compete - talk about must-see TV! Hope you get to watch - Bon appetit!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Recipes
To go along with Sarah's post.
I also enjoy cooking. Kind of a lot actually. I began a cooking notebook when I moved to Colorado last summer. My employer is like the queen of cookbooks. She collects them and has every new, highly rated one that comes out. I also inherited my Grandpa Koller's original recipes this past Thanksgiving and let me tell you, I am stoked. Now all I need is my own kitchen and people to cook for. :)
If I was to choose any job, hobby, pastime after I am married and my kids in school, I would open my open coffee/pastry shop. Naturally, I would focus on the coffee, which would come from all over the country, including all the places I had personally visited. I would have mix match mugs(no one would be alike) and have it be a place the old men can come and talk about the good ole days, the ladies could have morning bible class and the kids could swing by after school to do homework and hang out. Yeah...that'd be my dream retirement. :) Cherry on top would be having my ma be the head pastry queen.
One of my current favorite recipes is SUPER easy to make and absolutely delightful. I have to give credit to my sister in law, Laura for introducing the family to this one, last summer. Here is the link for it from Ina Gardener. Enjoy!!
I also enjoy cooking. Kind of a lot actually. I began a cooking notebook when I moved to Colorado last summer. My employer is like the queen of cookbooks. She collects them and has every new, highly rated one that comes out. I also inherited my Grandpa Koller's original recipes this past Thanksgiving and let me tell you, I am stoked. Now all I need is my own kitchen and people to cook for. :)
If I was to choose any job, hobby, pastime after I am married and my kids in school, I would open my open coffee/pastry shop. Naturally, I would focus on the coffee, which would come from all over the country, including all the places I had personally visited. I would have mix match mugs(no one would be alike) and have it be a place the old men can come and talk about the good ole days, the ladies could have morning bible class and the kids could swing by after school to do homework and hang out. Yeah...that'd be my dream retirement. :) Cherry on top would be having my ma be the head pastry queen.
One of my current favorite recipes is SUPER easy to make and absolutely delightful. I have to give credit to my sister in law, Laura for introducing the family to this one, last summer. Here is the link for it from Ina Gardener. Enjoy!!
Orzo with Roasted Vegetables
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/orzo-with-roasted-vegetables-recipe/index.html
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Recipes
I have a cooking problem.
It's not so much the cooking, as the cleaning up part. I hate cleaning up. That's not a problem I can fix though so I'm going to move on to my other problem.
Recipes.
I have recipes I love and use often. Too often, in fact.
Over the years, I've collected recipe books, recipes from websites, recipes from friends, trying to add some variety to our usual fare.,
I have ALOT of recipes and they are EVERYWHERE!!
So, in an attempt to organize my cooking life, I bought a photo album, some notecards and little tabs.
I am in the process of organizing my recipes. If I have a favorite recipe from a cookbook, I'm going to write down what book it's in and what page. Then I don't have to hunt through multiple books looking for it. Website favorites are getting written down, as well. At some point, hopefully in the near future, I will have a single album of recipes to use...
During this time of transition, we may be eating a lot of fast food.
It's not so much the cooking, as the cleaning up part. I hate cleaning up. That's not a problem I can fix though so I'm going to move on to my other problem.
Recipes.
I have recipes I love and use often. Too often, in fact.
Over the years, I've collected recipe books, recipes from websites, recipes from friends, trying to add some variety to our usual fare.,
I have ALOT of recipes and they are EVERYWHERE!!
So, in an attempt to organize my cooking life, I bought a photo album, some notecards and little tabs.
I am in the process of organizing my recipes. If I have a favorite recipe from a cookbook, I'm going to write down what book it's in and what page. Then I don't have to hunt through multiple books looking for it. Website favorites are getting written down, as well. At some point, hopefully in the near future, I will have a single album of recipes to use...
During this time of transition, we may be eating a lot of fast food.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Baby Girl
"Princess-Pooh, third in order, but first in a three-way tie in my heart."
My father wrote these words to me in a recent e-mail conversation we were having. Being one of 2 girls ten and twenty years apart and tossed amongst thorns of 7 brothers(the last few could literally be the ones in my side), I was a "daddy's girl" from the start. I remember loving pink and football growing up. I recall one memory of coming down the stairs in our Concordia house where Luke and Isaac's friend had gathered to play some basketball and by basketball, I mean a nerf ball and a gallon ice cream bucket stapled to the rafters. As I came down to observe, I noticed they were playing shirts and skins. I naturally found it necessary that I play so I proceeded to take my shirt off so I could jump in the skins team. Dearest Luke. He ever so kindly snatched up my shirt, gave it to me and gently pushed me towards the stairs saying I couldn't play with them and to go ask Mom why. Yeah, I always wanted to be getting into mischief with my brothers.
A few memories stick out in my mind about my eldest sister. As she mentioned in her post, I was only a baby when she was married. I remember her and Joel living in a small house in Concordia before moving to Florida. Then I remember going to Florida with Mom and Seth when Nathan was born. We stayed with some of their friends that night. We camped out in their living room and had Little Caesars pizza. I don't remember who they were or what they look like, however, I do remember how cool they were. I also remember going to the Strawberry place and Luke trying to eat an entire shortcake. Ang was always an older sister who gave me nephews and nieces who were REALLY good at sports :) I remember more so playing with her kids than actually her as I grew up. Now that I am entering this whole adult gig, I am finding out that my siblings are actually people. She is kind of awesome. She is wise and always knows what to say to bring me back down to a logical state. I can't wait for the years to come so I can get to know her more and more.
Sarah. Ha. I can't think about her without something ridiculous coming to mind. Any person reading this who has the pleasure of knowing her, knows what I mean. :) As I grew up, there were a few things about her that I remember. The biggest one being, oh I don't know, I wanted to BE her. I was the typical little girl who was starry eyed and wanted to do everything like her big sister. I remember sitting in a big chair with her crying because it had just sunk in that when she married Chad, she would be leaving and I would be all alone and unprotected. She always protected me from my mean brothers(ISAAC!!). Oh, I also remember being theeeeeee sole person at her wedding who cried. I am pretty sure I hated Chad their first year of marriage. I mean come on! The jerk stole my sister away from me! :) I remember her being in Mary Kay and going down to Texas with her twice for convention to watch whichever baby was youngest. Autumn and Cory maybe? In high school, she gave some great advice about friends and dumb drama. And by great advice naturally that means taking me to my room and playing a song called "Roses by Outkast". Yes, ladies and gents. "I know you think your **** don't stink, but lean a little bit closer and see that roses really smell like Pooo ppoooooooo." In the past year, she has become one of my best friends and has pulled me out of my biggest rut yet. Through all that, all I have to show for it is a new nickname. Just call me Eeyore. :)
My father wrote these words to me in a recent e-mail conversation we were having. Being one of 2 girls ten and twenty years apart and tossed amongst thorns of 7 brothers(the last few could literally be the ones in my side), I was a "daddy's girl" from the start. I remember loving pink and football growing up. I recall one memory of coming down the stairs in our Concordia house where Luke and Isaac's friend had gathered to play some basketball and by basketball, I mean a nerf ball and a gallon ice cream bucket stapled to the rafters. As I came down to observe, I noticed they were playing shirts and skins. I naturally found it necessary that I play so I proceeded to take my shirt off so I could jump in the skins team. Dearest Luke. He ever so kindly snatched up my shirt, gave it to me and gently pushed me towards the stairs saying I couldn't play with them and to go ask Mom why. Yeah, I always wanted to be getting into mischief with my brothers.
A few memories stick out in my mind about my eldest sister. As she mentioned in her post, I was only a baby when she was married. I remember her and Joel living in a small house in Concordia before moving to Florida. Then I remember going to Florida with Mom and Seth when Nathan was born. We stayed with some of their friends that night. We camped out in their living room and had Little Caesars pizza. I don't remember who they were or what they look like, however, I do remember how cool they were. I also remember going to the Strawberry place and Luke trying to eat an entire shortcake. Ang was always an older sister who gave me nephews and nieces who were REALLY good at sports :) I remember more so playing with her kids than actually her as I grew up. Now that I am entering this whole adult gig, I am finding out that my siblings are actually people. She is kind of awesome. She is wise and always knows what to say to bring me back down to a logical state. I can't wait for the years to come so I can get to know her more and more.
Sarah. Ha. I can't think about her without something ridiculous coming to mind. Any person reading this who has the pleasure of knowing her, knows what I mean. :) As I grew up, there were a few things about her that I remember. The biggest one being, oh I don't know, I wanted to BE her. I was the typical little girl who was starry eyed and wanted to do everything like her big sister. I remember sitting in a big chair with her crying because it had just sunk in that when she married Chad, she would be leaving and I would be all alone and unprotected. She always protected me from my mean brothers(ISAAC!!). Oh, I also remember being theeeeeee sole person at her wedding who cried. I am pretty sure I hated Chad their first year of marriage. I mean come on! The jerk stole my sister away from me! :) I remember her being in Mary Kay and going down to Texas with her twice for convention to watch whichever baby was youngest. Autumn and Cory maybe? In high school, she gave some great advice about friends and dumb drama. And by great advice naturally that means taking me to my room and playing a song called "Roses by Outkast". Yes, ladies and gents. "I know you think your **** don't stink, but lean a little bit closer and see that roses really smell like Pooo ppoooooooo." In the past year, she has become one of my best friends and has pulled me out of my biggest rut yet. Through all that, all I have to show for it is a new nickname. Just call me Eeyore. :)
Middle child syndrome
Middle child, middle girl, 7 brothers, 2 sisters. I'm sure I'm a psychologist's dream.
It's the middle girl thing that has really defined so much of my personality, I think. I didn't grow up with my sisters like so many other sisters do. We didn't get to share clothes til much later in life. We didn't steal each other's boyfriends, although I did have a mad crush on Ang's "friend" in high school. Can't remember his name though? Chris, maybe? I was about 6 or 7 though, so I didn't have much of a shot. We didn't have epic fights over the bathrooms or make-up or clothes. We managed to grow up for the most part as the only girl in the family. Kinda cool, I think.
My childhood memories are filled with boys, boys and more boys. My brothers, my brothers' friends, my brothers' toys, my brothers' games. I loved it.
There are these flashes of sister moments, though. They are the ties that held us together until we became friends.
I did steal Ang's Oreos. Wouldn't you, if you happened to find them under her pillow? We shared a room for about 2 seconds. I think I moved out sometime after the Oreo incident. Ang took me, Gabe and our friend, Stephanie to a circus once in our big family van. I think I rode an elephant there. She was cool like that. When Ang was in college, I spent the night with her and got to hang out with this kinda interesting fella who had a sweet gaming set-up in his closet-size dorm room. She went on to marry that interesting guy and all of our lives have been forever changed...in a good way!
I vaguely remember Grace coming home from the hospital. All I could think was, "Finally! Another girl." There has never been, nor will there ever be a cuter little girl. The roundest, rosiest cheeks and the sweetest smile. From very early on, I think we all knew she was up to something special. She had a naturally kind heart and consideration for others. What we all considered a "dramatic" personality has mellowed into a deep understanding of herself and an insight to emotions that far surpass her years. She still has that kind and considerate heart and I have a feeling she'll never grow out of that one.
Having sisters is one of life's true gifts, whether you are months, years or decades apart. I know I am forever grateful for mine!
It's the middle girl thing that has really defined so much of my personality, I think. I didn't grow up with my sisters like so many other sisters do. We didn't get to share clothes til much later in life. We didn't steal each other's boyfriends, although I did have a mad crush on Ang's "friend" in high school. Can't remember his name though? Chris, maybe? I was about 6 or 7 though, so I didn't have much of a shot. We didn't have epic fights over the bathrooms or make-up or clothes. We managed to grow up for the most part as the only girl in the family. Kinda cool, I think.
My childhood memories are filled with boys, boys and more boys. My brothers, my brothers' friends, my brothers' toys, my brothers' games. I loved it.
There are these flashes of sister moments, though. They are the ties that held us together until we became friends.
I did steal Ang's Oreos. Wouldn't you, if you happened to find them under her pillow? We shared a room for about 2 seconds. I think I moved out sometime after the Oreo incident. Ang took me, Gabe and our friend, Stephanie to a circus once in our big family van. I think I rode an elephant there. She was cool like that. When Ang was in college, I spent the night with her and got to hang out with this kinda interesting fella who had a sweet gaming set-up in his closet-size dorm room. She went on to marry that interesting guy and all of our lives have been forever changed...in a good way!
I vaguely remember Grace coming home from the hospital. All I could think was, "Finally! Another girl." There has never been, nor will there ever be a cuter little girl. The roundest, rosiest cheeks and the sweetest smile. From very early on, I think we all knew she was up to something special. She had a naturally kind heart and consideration for others. What we all considered a "dramatic" personality has mellowed into a deep understanding of herself and an insight to emotions that far surpass her years. She still has that kind and considerate heart and I have a feeling she'll never grow out of that one.
Having sisters is one of life's true gifts, whether you are months, years or decades apart. I know I am forever grateful for mine!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Eldest sister reflects
After 10 years and 3 brothers, I really wanted a sister.
And I got my wish - Sarah!
She was so cute and happy...to the point that our mother was concerned that she might be brain damaged because she never cried. She kept life interesting...we accidentally left her at a grocery store when she was about 3 or 4. She snuck into my room and ate my Oreos while I was at school (I already know what she's going to say, "Well, you didn't hide them very well!"). She was a junior bridesmaid in my wedding...and had a huge crush on my dear husband's nephew, the junior groomsman. She surprised me by coming to visit with our parents when my first daughter was born...and was on the recieving end of a blowout diaper while wearing white shorts shortly after they arrived (and still went on to have 4 kids of her own - go figure!). She called me up one early summer day and asked if there was any way we could be in Pensacola the next week - for her wedding! I could go on (and probably will at a later date) but suffice it to say that she's one of my best friends, now that she's grown out of the Oreo-stealing stage.
Then 10 more years and 3 more brothers brought us two girls another sister - Grace!
She was also cute and happy and was only a baby when she attended my wedding. Because there is a 20 year age difference between us, people used to think she was my daughter when we were out in public together. She has been a doting aunt to my kids, even though she was only 5 when my son was born. Sadly, I don't have as many memories of her childhood as I do with Sarah, because I've lived 1200 miles away most of her life. But, I have loved watching her grow up into the lovely young woman she has become and love that we have become more than just sisters but also friends, with lots of years ahead to make memories.
And I got my wish - Sarah!
She was so cute and happy...to the point that our mother was concerned that she might be brain damaged because she never cried. She kept life interesting...we accidentally left her at a grocery store when she was about 3 or 4. She snuck into my room and ate my Oreos while I was at school (I already know what she's going to say, "Well, you didn't hide them very well!"). She was a junior bridesmaid in my wedding...and had a huge crush on my dear husband's nephew, the junior groomsman. She surprised me by coming to visit with our parents when my first daughter was born...and was on the recieving end of a blowout diaper while wearing white shorts shortly after they arrived (and still went on to have 4 kids of her own - go figure!). She called me up one early summer day and asked if there was any way we could be in Pensacola the next week - for her wedding! I could go on (and probably will at a later date) but suffice it to say that she's one of my best friends, now that she's grown out of the Oreo-stealing stage.
Then 10 more years and 3 more brothers brought us two girls another sister - Grace!
She was also cute and happy and was only a baby when she attended my wedding. Because there is a 20 year age difference between us, people used to think she was my daughter when we were out in public together. She has been a doting aunt to my kids, even though she was only 5 when my son was born. Sadly, I don't have as many memories of her childhood as I do with Sarah, because I've lived 1200 miles away most of her life. But, I have loved watching her grow up into the lovely young woman she has become and love that we have become more than just sisters but also friends, with lots of years ahead to make memories.
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