My Grandma

There is another mother in my life who deserves recognition and honor--my Grandmother. My Dad's Mom has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. The first few years of my life were spent living just down the road from her, and included countless hours spent at her house. Once we moved out of state, visits to Grandma's house were(and still are) such a wonderful treat. Many precious memories have been made at her house at the top of the hill.

My Grandma is not only loving, kind, thoughtful,and an amazing cook--who always goes out of her way to make our favorites when we visit. She's a godly woman; in fact, she's the first person who introduced me to the wonderous truths of the gospel, and though I don't believe I was genuinely converted until my early teenage years, I know her influence on me was a huge part of what the Lord graciously used to draw me, as well as my parents, to Himself.

I remember talking with Grandma before Ben and I were married about all our plans and dreams, and she said to me she hoped she was still around to see some of the children we were hoping to have. I am so glad she is, and truly, seeing my Grandma with my sweet baby girl brings me unspeakable joy--and living closer to her is one reason I'm so thankful to live where we do. I and my children have every reason to be eternally grateful to the Lord for my Grandma. In fact, when Ben and I found out our first child was due right on her 80th birthday, there was almost no discussion about what girl name would be best. And since she is a girl, our sweet daughter bears my Grandma's name--Katie Lee. If our sweet Katie turns out to be a godly woman of her Grandma Katie's caliber, we will know we did our job, by God's grace. Her name gives her quite the legacy to live up to.

As I've gotten older, my Grandma has gone from being just Grandma (and all the wonderful things that accompany such a well beloved phrase!) to being one of my dearest friends, and a godly woman I have enormous respect for. To her, her influence may not seem very far reaching, but when our whole extended family is together and I look around at all the people there who love the Lord, it's amazing to think that most of them were influenced by her on behalf of the gospel--and our dear family, should the Lord tarry, represents many thousands in generations to come who will, by God's grace, faithfully serve Christ, in part because the Lord was kind enough to make us Grandma's descendents.

Even though it's a couple days after Mother's Day, Happy Mother's Day, Grandma. I love you, and am more thankful for you than I can begin to say.

Two Years

Two years ago today, I married my very best friend. I am so thankful the Lord brought us together! 

I love you more than I can say, Ben Murch. Happy anniversary!

PS: I should be back to normal blogging later this week. Between morning sickness/all day fatigue and having out-of-town family visiting, I've been plum busy and kinda worn out. :) "See" y'all again soon!

A Mother's Day Tribute for my Mom

Just about everyone says they have the best mom in the world...but as far as I'm concerned, they're all wrong but me. :) Since holding my sweet baby girl in my arms for the first time 14 and a half months ago, I have grown so much in appreciation for my mom. I've learned of (some of) the sacrifices of motherhood, and remember my mom making them with so much joy and loving and supporting me through it all.

I realize more and more everyday that my mom is one of God's most amazing gifts to me. Since many miles now separate us, talking on the phone has had to replace our frequent get-togethers and weekly dinner out. As I've grown and matured into a wife and mother myself, my own mother has truly become one of my very closest friends. She is a constant source of encouragement and I have become the woman I am largely because of her influence on me.

There was a time in my life when I took my mom for granted. I thought (like so many foolish teenagers) that I knew it all and needed to teach her a thing or two. Not any more. My mom is an amazing woman; she's a faithful servant of Christ, an amazing wife (and excellent example for me), an amazing mom, and now, a wonderful Grandma. I could not have asked for a better mom than the one the Lord gave me; she is certainly a blessing I don't deserve, but I'm so thankful the Lord was kind enough to make her my mom anyway.

I love you, Mom. Happy Mother's Day.

This post is linked to Finer Things Friday.

My Sweet Katie

At just over 14 months, Katie brings so much joy (and excitement!) into our lives. Watching her grow and learn is certainly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. She is mostly happy (and obeys "no" usually--though certainly not always. We're working on it!), which has been really nice since I haven't been feeling my best lately. Just this week, she has learned to throw away trash, put toys away, and kiss boo-boos (which she is happy, also, to point out on mommy & daddy, and of course, herself!). She says "bye-bye" (more like "buh-buh") and "baby" ("buh-bee"), and loves to pick "owers" (flowers) from the yard. And, one of my personal favorites--she has finally taken to calling me "Mamamamama" consistently!

I have been amazed at how quickly she's been picking up new words and concepts lately, and I am trying to do my best to nurture that, as well as enjoy my time at home with her as much as I can. I am learning every day how fast time goes by and how quickly she'll be all grown up (*sniffle*)!

This post is linked to Wordless Wednesday (even though it's not so wordless!).

Homemade Seasoned Oven Fries

I used to always buy frozen fries to bake at home, not realizing how simple (not to mention so much healthier!) it was to make my own from scratch. I originally got the recipe from my Betty Crocker cookbook, but have tweaked it some.

 Dinner tonight. I'd been craving a burger for days. It was so delicious!

1 teaspoon salt (I use sea salt)
1/2 teaspoon Sucanat (sugar would work, though)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
a dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
shredded cheese (optional)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3-4 potatoes, cut into wedges (I usually cut each potato into 8 wedges)

Put the potato wedges in a bowl, and pour some olive oil in, making sure to coat the potatoes. Mix the seasonings together and add them to the potatoes. Spread potatoes on a cookie sheet and bake at 425* for 25-30 minutes. Sometimes, I broil them for a minute or two to crisp them up a little better before we eat.

This recipe literally takes less than 15 minutes to throw together, and even using organic potatoes, it costs just a little over $1 to make enough for our family. I love making a healthier version of something we love for so cheap!

This post is linked to Tasty Tuesday,Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, and Ultimate Recipe Swap.

Cascadian Farms Giveaway Winner

Sorry I'm so late on announcing this! The winner of the Cascadian Farm gift pack, provided by Cascadian Farms and MyBlogSpark is...

Commenter #3, Annie from shopannies.blogspot.com! Congratulations! I will be sending you an email with information on how to claim your prize.

Thanks to all of you who entered!

Menu Plan, May 3-May 9

Here's our plan for this week. Most likely, it will change several times based on my aversions and cravings of the moment. But, it's good to have a plan anyway.

Breakfasts: 
~Bacon and eggs with toast.
~Soaked Baked Oatmeal
~Cold cereal

Lunches:
~Leftovers or snacks (fruit, veggies, cheese, etc)
~PB & Banana sandwiches
~Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Doesn't this recipe look amazing?

Dinners:
~Grandma's Beef Stroganoff with brown rice and steamed broccoli
~Hamburgers with homemade fries, corn on the cob, and maybe even homemade baked beans
~Saucy Broccoli Chicken Bake
~Dinner at the farm

For hundreds of other menu plans, check out OrgJunkie!