Thanksgiving Dozen

(Click here for more Random Dozens.)

1. Are you sticking to traditional Thanksgiving foods this year, or are you being culinarily adventurous?

I think there is always a little bit of both at our table! My mother, sisters, and I all like to cook (and to eat!), so there are the family favorites as well as some tasty new dishes. This year I am in charge of drinks and appetizers. I'll try to take pictures and put them on the Gomboblog!

One of our traditions is Carrot Souffle. I started making this in Mongolia when I felt just needed something orange during the holidays! I couldn't find any yams, sweet potatoes or a pumpkin. Then a friend shared a recipe with me for carrot souffle. It has become a permanent part of our celebration. If it is not on the table there will be protests from my brother, sister, and my son!


2. Tell me something concrete that you're thankful for. (Something you can literally touch, see, etc., not a concept like "hope.")

I'm thankful for my husband. He's been working so hard lately in his business and striving to finish up his degree. I'm so proud of him.


3. You knew the flip side was coming: Share about something intangible that you're thankful for.

I'm thankful for what the Lord is doing in families. I love seeing people stand for the healing of their families and seeing breakthrough. In this time in history we are standing at the forefront of the battle. Every day that we stay married, that we love our families and refuse to accept an artificial substitution for God's perfect plan we are making strides in the heavenly realm.



4. Share one vivid Thanksgiving memory. It doesn't have to be deep or meaningful, just something that remains etched in your memory.


Two Thanksgivings ago my brother was restored to us.


5. What is one thing that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is going to happen this Thanksgiving because it always does, year after year?


We will read our "Thankful Leaves." Leading up to Thanksgiving we write what we are thankful for on leaves--one each day. On Thanksgiving the house is full of colorful paper leaves with reminds of all the good things in life!

6. Do your pets get any left-overs?

We do not have any pets, we have children. LOL! But, we'll be at my folks' house this holiday, so I'm sure their pets will get some.


7. Does your family pray before the big meal? If so, do you join hands while seated, stand, repeat a formal prayer or offer a spontaneous prayer? Who does the praying?

Yes, we'll pray. We always pray before meals. My dad will probably read a passage of Scripture first and then spontaneously start belting out an oldie such as "Give Thanks" or "I Need Thee". All his children will share an amused look across the table and join in whole-heartedly.

8. Will you be watching football in the afternoon? If not, what will you be doing?

Well, I don't know that I'll actually be doing the watching, but I'm sure it will be on. Gana has turned into quite the sports fan since moving to Southern California! I don't necessarily like watching sports, but the sounds of it on in the background makes it feel like Thanksgiving!

We'll also play board games, read books, and watch movies.

9. There are two distinct camps of people on this issue: How do you feel about oysters in the dressing/stuffing?

I'm in a third distinct camp: Stuffing is disgusting. Let's face it....it's soggy bread. Move on.

10. Do you consider yourself informed about the first Thanksgiving?

Yep, pretty much. I'll probably read this to the kids on Thanksgiving.

11. Which variety of pie will you be enjoying?

I will be having them all and any other desserts that are offered. I'm sure there will be several choices.

12. Do you feel for the turkey? (This is a humorous throw back question related to the 12th question in another Random Dozen!)

Hmmmm.....

Yes and no. I was nearly a vegetarian for several years, but my health was not so good, so I eat meat nearly every day now.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DEAR FRIENDS!!!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things....

A looooong time ago, The Happy Homebody tagged me for a meme to take a picture of my favorite things--things that make our home beautiful or functional. At the time my digital camera was broken, so I couldn't do it. Then we got a new one, but it seems like I just never got around to doing it, even though I loved the idea.

So, yesterday I finally took a bunch of pictures. It is rather remarkable how many of my favorite things revolve around my beverage consumption.

My espresso/cappuccino machine, which I just got for my birthday from my mom and dad. There's just something magical about frothing your own milk.

"Haluun Sav" from Mongolia. These wonderful decorative thermoses (or should that be thermi?) keep my water hot for two days! I can have tea ready for guests in an instant. When we have Bible studies here I use the blue one for coffee and the pink one for hot water for tea.

This beautiful cup is ginormous. Great for ingesting large amounts of caffeine and feeling pretty while doing it! This was a Valentine's Day gift from my mom and dad. They sure know how to pick presents for me, don't they?!

Bonne Maman jars. I don't have a lot of brand loyalties. This may be the only one. This jam is really good with no artificial colors and no high fructose corn syrup. And the best part it that it comes in this adorable jar! These are our usual drinking glasses. It's handy to have the lid in case a child doesn't finish his drink. No waste! Just pop it in the fridge! I also use these for storing leftovers, taking drinks for picnics, giving gifts, collecting coins, keeping the kids' counting beans, etc. But, wait there's more! (said in my best infomercial voice) The beauty of reusing jam jars for your drinking glasses is if one breaks your heart doesn't break with it.

For meals and occasions that don't include milk or juice, these are my stemware. Just looking at them make me smile. The picture doesn't do them justice. They are so pretty and feel really good in your hand. The feel of a glass is really important, you know.

OK, here are my favorite things that don't involve coffee, tea, juice or wine:

Gana gave me this Willow Tree figurine a few years ago. It's how pregnancy feels at its best. The mother is lovingly protecting her baby. So beautiful. So peaceful. Tranquility. Gana totally knows me. It is this protective and protected and serene feeling that makes me addicted to pregnancy.

This tapestry hangs on my wall. It's from the home of someone from the Kazakh tribe in Mongolia. It's all hand done without a pattern. The date is embroidered in: 1968. Our good friend whom we call Chief brought it from Northern Mongolia for us. It makes me feel connected to Mongolia, even far away. I also think of the little Mongolian woman who likely made this. As is tradition, she probably started on it as a teenager in preparation for her marriage and finished sometime years and year later. Her diligence and skill inspire me. If this wall could speak.....

What home with six children could be complete with The Chore Chart! It's magnetic, so notice the timer stuck to it. Time limits on chores are as important as the chart itself!

My library/farmer's market bag. I'm Gaga to my most beautiful nephews.

Flour Sack Towels. I'm very particular about kitchen towels. My favorite ones are fuzz free, so I can use them to lay cookies fresh from the oven, cover food or drain bacon without getting fibers in the food! I also like white towels and dishcloths. This makes them bleachable and they look nice much longer.

Sharing the meme love, I tag Lady Dorothy, Generation Cedar, Serena, and Cantare. What are your favorite things?

Gana's Meme

This is a different meme from the one I recently did. This one we got from Serena.




It's Gana's turn to fill it out! Conclusion: He is vastly more interesting than me!

(Bold the things you've done.)

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink



02. Swam with dolphins



03. Climbed a mountain



04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive (Well, no, but I sat in it.)



05. Been inside the Great Pyramid



06. Held a tarantula



07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone



08. Said "I love you" and meant it



09. Hugged a tree



10. Bungee jumped



11. Visited Paris



12. Watched a lightning storm at sea



13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise



14. Seen the Northern Lights



15. Gone to a huge sports game



16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa



17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables



18. Touched an iceberg



19. Slept under the stars



20. Changed a baby's diaper



21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon



22. Watched a meteor shower



23. Gotten drunk on champagne



24. Given more than you can afford to charity



25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope



26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment



27. Had a food fight



28. Bet on a winning horse



29. Asked out a stranger



30. Had a snowball fight



31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can



32. Held a lamb



33. Seen a total eclipse

34. Ridden a rollercoaster



35. Hit a home run



36. Danced like a fool and didn't care who was looking



37. Adopted an accent for an entire day



38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment



39. Had two hard drives for your computer



40. Visited all 50 states



41. Taken care of someone who was drunk



42. Had amazing friends



43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country



44 . Watched whales



45. Stolen a sign



46. Backpacked in Europe



47. Taken a road-trip



48. Gone rock climbing



49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach



50. Gone sky diving



51. Visited Ireland



52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love



53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them



54. Visited Japan



55. Milked a cow



56. Alphabetized your CDS



57. Pretended to be a superhero



58. Sung karaoke



59. Lounged around in bed all day



60. Played touch football



61. Gone scuba diving



62. Kissed in the rain



63. Played in the mud



64. Played in the rain



65. Gone to a drive-in theatre



66. Visited the Great Wall of China



67. Started a business



68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken



69. Toured ancient sites



70. Taken a martial arts class



71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours



72. Gotten married



73. Been in a movie



74. Crashed a party



75. Gotten divorced



76. Gone without food for 5 days



77. Made cookies from scratch



78. Won first prize in a costume contest



79. Ridden a gondola in Venice

80. Gotten a tattoo



81. Rafted the Snake River



82. Been on a television news program as an "expert"



83. Gotten flowers for no reason (From Meg, of course!)



84. Performed on stage



85. Been to Las Vegas



86. Recorded music



87. Eaten shark



88. Kissed on the first date



89. Gone to Thailand



90. Bought a house



91. Been in a combat zone



92. Buried one/both of your parents



93. Been on a cruise ship



94. Spoken more than one language fluently



95. Performed in Rocky Horror



96. Raised children



97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour



98. Passed out cold



99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country



100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over



101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge



102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking



103. Had plastic surgery



104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived



105. Wrote articles for a large publication



106. Lost over 100 pounds

107. Held someone while they were having a flashback



108. Piloted an airplane



109. Touched a stingray



110. Broken someone's heart



111. Helped an animal give birth (Just Daja!)



112. Won money on a TV game show



113. Broken a bone



114. Gone to Africa.



115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears



116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol



117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild



118. Ridden a horse



119. Had major surgery



120. Had a snake as a pet



121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon



122. Slept for 30 hours in a 48 hour period



123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. States



124. Visited all 7 continents



125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days



126. Eaten kangaroo meat



127. Eaten sushi



128. Had your picture in the newspaper



129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about



130. Gone back to school



131. Parasailed



132.Touched a cockroach



133. Eaten fried green tomatoes



134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey



135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read



136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating



137. Skipped all your school reunions



138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language



139. Been elected to public office



140. Written your own computer language

141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream



142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care (No, but I cared for my dad myself. He passed away in 1996 from Parkinson's Disease.)



143. Built your own PC from parts



144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you



145. Had a booth at a street fair



146. Dyed your hair



147. Been a DJ



148. Shaved your head (My parents shaved it when I was a kid.)



149. Caused a car accident



150. Saved someone's life (I was a lifeguard!)

In the Meme Time....

Several friends have done this meme. I did it and discovered I'm not half as interesting as I wish I were.

(Bold the things you've actually done.)

[Update: I decided to go back and bold number 89. I've talked a girl out of an abortion. So, that's definitely saving a life! I just didn't think of it.]

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (Define famous?)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Tagged

I've been tagged for a meme by Melanie at Cantare.

I've been blogging for so long that I've already revealed plenty of random things about myself. What's left?! Oh, if only you knew.

So, let's begin:

1. My least favorite chore is doing the dishes. I'm ashamed to say I'll procrastinate and do all other housework first, until the kids say, "Mom! I can't find a spoon!" Yes, that is pitiful.

Hello. My name is Daja. I have five kids and no dishwasher.

2. I don't like cold drinks. I drink room-temperature water and juice and hot tea/coffee/cocoa/cider, except when I'm pregnant. Then I cannot seem to get enough REALLY cold water and I chew ice like a crazy person. Great on my teeth, I know.

3. I don't vaccinate my kids.

4. I still get a little scared if I watch those Rapture movies from the 60's. You know, "Thief in the Night" and "A Distant Thunder." Sometimes when my mind wanders, which happens a lot, I think of great places to hide like they did in those movies--not just in case of the Rapture, but you know....zombies. Or villains like on Heroes. Or drug lords who are stalking me in the case of a mistaken identity. You know. Normal stuff.

5. I don't brush my hair. If you don't have curly hair maybe you think that's crazy. But I really never do. I just product it up while it is wet and leave it alone.

6. I really want to pierce my nose. I thought I would do it before I got pregnant again, but now it looks like I'll have to wait until after this baby is born, because I don't want to do it while I'm pregnant.

7. I don't actually own any over-the-counter medication. Seriously. I don't have any Advil, Midol, Tylenol, cold medicine, etc. I think Gana has a few Tylenol for an occasional headache, but I don't actually even know where they are. If you get a headache at my house I can offer you some herbs and some tea.

I tag:

Claire at Two Kids, a Gear-Head and Me

Lady Dorothy (My mom!) at Daffodil Dreams

Serena (My sister!) at And By The Way

Jennifer at Petersons Go Public

Starr at Lost in Laundry

Karen at Only Sometimes Clever

and last but not least....

Birthkeeper at Midwifery Ramblings

How Well Do You Know Your Husband?

Here's a fun little meme from SFO Mom's Blog. I love things that make me think and write about Gana. He's really the best.

1. Sitting in front of the tv, what's on the screen?
About four different shows which he switches back and forth from during commercials. If you watch TV with Gana be prepared to see movies, TV shows and news programs in 5 or 10 minute increments.

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?
If we are eating out, he does not eat salad. At home he'll choke some down because it's like a rule around here that there must be produce on your plate. At restaurants all bets are off. If it ain't fried, it ain't food.


3. What's one food he doesn't like?
Tomato Soup

4. You go out to the bar. What does he order?
We don't really go to bars. But, he would order Chinese beer or red wine.

5. Where did he go to high school?
High school number 18 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.


6. What size shoe does he wear?
9

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be?
Kids?

Seriously, though, he likes interesting rocks.


8. What is his favorite type of sandwich?
Hamburger


9. What would this person eat every day if he could?
Mongolian food--huurshuur, buuz, tsoivan, etc.


10. What is his favorite cereal?
He doesn't like cold cereal. It's a part of American life that he has not adjusted to. If I'm out of bread or fruit, he'll eat some corn flakes. Other cereals are out.


11. What would he never wear?
One of my brother's suits.

12. What is his favorite sports team?
I don't know that he has a favorite. Oh, wait....he does have a favorite soccer team, but I have no idea who that is.


13. Who will he vote for?
He's not allowed to vote, yet. Still not a citizen. But, he said he would never vote for Obama. One of his professors at Fuller was oozing praise for Obama because it would be so historical to have the first black president. Gana raised his hand and said, "If that's the reason, I think I'll vote for Jackie Chan." Yep, that's my husband for you. He's not afraid to speak the truth. And the class erupted in laughter--clearly getting the point.

He's also been amazed in watching this campaign at how many Americans are socialists. He didn't expect it in America. It was a rather disappointing discovery.


14. Who is his best friend?
Besides me?

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do?
Forget to buy him white bread, keep my desk a mess, raise my voice, drive too fast.


16. How many states has he lived in?
Only lived in California in the States. Although he has travelled to over 30 States. In Mongolia he lived mostly in Ulaanbaatar.


17. What is his heritage?
He's a REAL Mongolian.

18. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake?
He doesn't actually care for American cake. So, I'd probably go for something like strawberry shortcake, which he likes. Otherwise I'll buy him a Russian cake from a local bakery.


19. Did he play sports in high school?
He's really athletic. He has always liked to ski, play soccer, swim and play basketball. I don't know that he played any in high school though. He did have a very short lived boxing experience in high school. And that's not because he can't fight, but because he didn't attend the practices.

20. What could he spend hours doing?
Playing X-box, sitting in Barnes and Nobles with me while we sip coffee and read magazines, playing chess.

Blog Warming Party and Giveaway!

Click here to visit amada's blog-warming party and enter to win a year's subscription to the Old Schoolhouse digital magazine! or copy and paste: http://fisheracademy.blogspot.com

And I get another entry in Amy's contest by doing the following little meme:

On your blog write about your 3 favorite things about homeschooling, and one thing you'd like to change about your homeschool.

Favorite things:

1. I love spending time with my children. I would weep if they were away most of the day, every day. They are such great people that I want to spend time with them.

2. We get to tailor our school calendar to suit our family. I think I'm taking at least a whole month off when the baby arrives.

3. I love seeing their eyes light up when they become enlightened about something amazing.

One thing I'd change:

If I had the space I would love to have a school/craft room. As it is I have craft supplies under the bed, the chore chart in the dining room, the desks are in Meg's room, etc. Unsightly and not very convenient.

Lynne

I've been tagged by Claire.

Here are the rules:
1. You must post the rules before you give your answers.
2. List one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your middle name. (If you don't have a middle name, use your maiden name).
3. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and that they need to read your blog for details).

L - Laid back. Maybe a little too laid back. A little more umph might be helpful.
Y - Young at heart.
N - Never been to Paris.
N - Nutty.
E - Easily Entertained.

Now for the tagging, which is the most challenging part.

L - Linda at The Bronkar Family
Y -
N - Mary Beth at Notes.
N - Sarah Nardi at Is That Right?
E - Marianne Elixir at Ancora Imparo.

I'm sorry, I just cannot think of someone whose name or blog begins with the letter Y. If yours does, consider yourself tagged. Leave me a comment letting me know!

Christmas Meme

Alicia at Shoot For Eternity tagged me!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Wrapping paper, I guess. How about postal paper and newsprint?

I do love a beautifully wrapped gift, but it's definitely an area I've let slide in recent years. Usually it's a gift bag, 'cause I have a lot of those to re-use from baby showers and children's birthday parties!

2. Real or fake tree?

Real, real, real. Gotta be real!

3. When do you put up the tree?

The first week of December or so. We don't put it up too early because we leave it up until after Ephiphany (January 6). If we get it too early it will be too dry.

4. When do you take the tree down?

The day after Epiphany usually.

5. Do you like eggnog?

Oh yes, I love it! In Mongolia I was desperate for it and learned to make a decent cooked egg-nog after a few trial-and-errors.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

When I was 11 years old I got a Black Hills Gold ring. It was lovely. Now my brother has it. I gave it to him about 10 years ago as a covenant to pray for him. I would like another one one day.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?

Yes.

8. Hardest person to buy for?

My dear Gana. So, what I do is tell him what I want to buy for him and then let him do all his research and consumer report reading and buy his own gift. When it arrives in the mail or home from the store I kiss him and say, "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Father's Day." Romantic, I know.

9. Easiest person to buy for?

Call it a three way tie between my mom, my sister and my daughter. I see things they would like all the time. I have to hold myself back.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

I can't think of anything. Seriously.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Mail. I'm an old-fashioned girl, save my blogging obsession.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

It's A Wonderful Life. If we were of the same generation I'd have a huge crush on Jimmy Stewart. The only thing that brings me back to reality is the fact that I'm young enough to be his great granddaughter.....oh and the fact that he is no longer living.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

Generally sometime in November.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

Yep. And you probably loved it!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Snowflake Pudding, Yule Log, and Peanut Butter BonBons.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?

I don't think I have a preference. Maybe I could lean towards the colored.

17. Favorite Christmas song?

What Child Is This

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

Every other year we spend with my parents. This year we are staying home and some dear friends are coming for a visit!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?

Yes.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?

I prefer a star, only because I'm not a big fan of overly feminine angels.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

People who should seriously know better celebrating Kwanza.

23. What I love most about Christmas?

That nostalgic feeling weaved from the memories of every Christmas I've celebrated. And, the renewed sense that God does indeed have a plan for this world.

I tag Mrs. C. at Homeschool and Etc., Sarah at Commonplace, and Andrea at Sound Your Horn.

Book Meme

"I understand the average American watches four hours of television a day. That's 28 hours a week. I also understand the average American reads 250 words per minute. Therefore, if the average American would turn off the television set and spend those 28 hours a week reading, he could read all the poems of T.S. Eliot, all the poems of Maya Angelou, two plays by Thornton Wilder, including Our Town, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and all 150 Psalms in the Old Testament. That's all in one week. My advice to you graduates is read, read, read." (David McCullough to a class of University of Massachusetts graduates)

I've been tagged by Andrea.

My Current Reading List:
And The Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer (interesting, but slow moving)

In The Shadow of the Galilean by Gerd Thiesen

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (I'm reading it to Meg)

Wisdom with the Millers (reading it to all the kids each morning)

Total number of books in my library:
I seriously have no idea. A bunch of my books are still in Mongolia. I do have book shelves in every room of my house, including the bathroom.

Last book finished:
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquire (terribly disappointing)

Last book bought:
I cannot think of one. I use the library a lot. The last book I bought was probably something for Gana's exegetical method class. Loads of fun.

Five Meaningful Books: (besides the Bible)
Fascinating Womanhood by Helen Andelin (I've read it more times than I can count!)

The Pastor's Wife by Sabina Wurmbrand (Inspiring and challenging!)

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis (A must read for every Christian!)

The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence (How I aspire to live my life.)

A Promise Kept by Robertson McQuilken (What everyone who thinks they are in love should read...especially before getting married. Moved me to tears.)

Five Favorite Books:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

An Arrow Pointing To Heaven (the biography of Rich Mullins)

You Are Special by Max Lucado (A child’s books that ministers to a deep place in my soul.)

Looking at this list, I can't believe I didn't list anything by Brennan Manning or No Compromise by Keith Green! If there was another category for favorite authors I'd put them there.

Thanks Andrea! That was fun! I tag Mary Beth, Starr, Alicia, Karen Joy, and Jenee. Oh, and if I can talk him into doing it, I also tag, Gana!

8 Random Things About My Kitchen

I've been tagged by Mama Says to blog eight random things about my kitchen.

1) I have only one outlet in my kitchen (aside from the one the refrigerator is plugged into). Which means the bread machine, the toaster, the coffee pot, the George Foreman Grill, the blender, the food processor, the juicer and the crock pot have to share the same little spot of counter. I try to keep only three on the counter at a time. But during meal prep it can be crowded.

2) I'm the world's worst procrastinator when it come to dishwashing. I've blogged about this in the past. In fact, I still have last night's dishes plus today's breakfast dishes in the sink. I don't have a dishwasher. Therefore when I haven't done the dishes it looks like my cupboards have vomited.

3) Every evening there are enough crumbs under the baby's chair to feed a small post-soviet country.

4) When I start making dinner I light a candle on the table. This causes me to pause for a moment of grateful reflection for God's provision. It's also a sign to the family that dinner is in the works, so no whining about hunger pangs.

5) I dropped a spatula behind the stove months ago. I can't reach it and keep forgetting to ask my husband to pull out the stove so that I can get it.

6) I clean my counters with my own natural cleanser. (A recipe I got from Flo.)

Fill a spray bottle with:
4 oz vinegar
12 oz water
1/2 teaspoon your favorite dish soap (there are many natural ones out there)
5-8 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil (works as a disinfectant)
5-8 drops Lemon Essential Oil (as a disinfectant)
Lavender Essential Oil--as needed for fragrance

Makes 16 oz.

I use baking soda to clean my greasy stove top. I use dish soap that is not antibacterial. My kitchen is fairly chemical free. That's the way I like it...uh huh, uh huh.

7) I wash the kitchen towels and washcloths separate from bath towels. There is a bucket under the sink that holds all the soiled ones. Ideally, they go into the laundry in the evening after I do the dishes. See number 2 for how good I am at actually washing the dishes.

8) I currently have 15 different kinds of teas in the kitchen. Stop on over anytime for a cup of tea. I've got Chai, Rooibos, Jasmine, Cranberry, Vanilla Carmel, even something called Gunpowder tea.

Tag! You're it: Lady Dorothy, Heather, Mary Beth, Jenee, Flo, and Mrs. C.

Captain:

(Captain's responses according to Meg, dictated to Mommy.)



I: like bananas.
I Live: in Atascadero.
I Work: I don’t work.
I Talk: like a baby.
I Wish: that I can grow up.
I Enjoy: being with my friends and visiting my cousins and being with my sister and brother.
I Look: for Daddy.
I Find: little things.
I Made: Mommy laugh.
I Smell: cookies or crumbs.
I Listen: to Daddy’s sounds when he’s hiding.
I Hide: with Daddy when the three children come to find us.
I Pray: to God.
I Walk: I don’t walk.
I Write: I don’t write.
I See: little things.
I Sing: like a baby.
I Laugh: when Meggy tickles me.
I Can: look for Meggy, too.
I Watch: the vacuum.
I Learn: that I cannot get little things.
I Dream: a lot about bananas.
I Remember: when I was born.
I Want: a toy.
I Cry: to Jesus.
I Burned: nothing.
I Read: with my Mama.
I Love: being with my Mama and Meggy.
I Sometimes: push the door.
I Touch: everybody.
I Hurt: nothing.
I Fear: Luc’s lion puppet.
I Hope: that I can stop crying.
I Break: I don’t know.
I Eat: so much!
I Quit: eating when I have to take a nap.
I Drink: water and milk.
I Save: nothing.
I Hug: Meg.
I Meditate: watching a movie.
I Play: with my friends.
I Miss: my Emee.
I Hold: squeekie toy.
I Forgive: but sometimes I hit and bite.
I Drive: I dont’ drive.
I Have: a birthday, but a long time ago.
I Don't: hit or bite my mommy, daddy, brothers or sisters.
I Kiss: with my mouth open.
I Believe: I don’t know.
I Feel: a the soft rug on my back.
I Know: because I keep saying “nana” for banana.
I Wonder: what I could do.

Gana:

I: am Gana.
I Live: a great life!
I Work: hard.
I Talk: not much.
I Wish: I had a million dollars.
I Enjoy: wood working and nature.
I Look: good in blue.
I Find: new things about God almost everyday!
I Made: most of the furniture in our house.
I Smell: don't go there!
I Listen: to a variety of music and teaching.
I Hide: my gum from my kids so they don't chew it all.
I Pray: honestly.
I Walk: fast.
I Write: posters for church and stuff.
I See: things that are not as if they are.
I Sing: alone.
I Laugh: with my wife and children....and sometimes with the Lord.
I Can: dance.
I Watch: Twenty Good Years.
I Learn: things quickly.
I Dream: often.
I remember: what was the question again?
I Want: to plant churches on every continent.
I Cry: often before the Lord.
I Burned: my entire highschool's class transcripts with some trouble-making friends. Boy were the girls (who actually cared about their grades) mad!
I Read: the whole Bible last year.
I Love: my wife and children deeply.
I Sometimes: do things I shouldn't.
I Touch: the hand of God and He holds me tightly.
I Hurt: when other's hurt.
I Fear: to sin.
I Hope: I can do well in school.
I Break: rules.
I Eat: simply.
I Quit: rarely.
I Drink: Mongolian milk tea and fermented horse milk. Too bad I can't buy it in America!
I Save: for my family.
I Hug: my children and wife a lot! And old ladies.
I Meditate: all day.
I Play: soccer.
I Miss: friends.
I Hold: my kids' hands when we cross the street.
I Forgive: the past.
I Drive: a "four-wheeled motorcycle" (that's what my friends call my 4 cylinder Susuki Sidekick)
I Have: all I need and all I want the most.
I Don't: like broccoli, beans or insincere Christianity.
I Kiss: my children every night.
I Believe: that Christ didn't die just to make church members.
I Feel: good when I accomplish a project.
I Know: that Jesus loves you!
I Wonder: what it is like to be in outerspace.

Abishai:

(Abishai is the cutest kid in the world. He's my nephew. He's 2 years old.)



I: love Mommy.
I Live: at home.
I Work: Daddy works.
I Talk: to Mommy and Daddy.
I Wish: for that.
I Enjoy: apples.
I Look: for toys.
I Find: toys.
I Made: cake.
I Smell: that.
I Listen: to music.
I Hide: and go Seek.
I Pray: with my hand like that! (shows me his hands)
I Walk: like a monkey.
I Write: paper.
I See: my toys.
I Sing: songs.
I Laugh: a long time ago.
I Can: go potty.
I Watch: TV.
I Learn: ABCs.
I Dream: about things.
I remember: to go potty.
I Want: an apple.
I Cry: when it hurts.
I Burned: so MiMi does it.
I Read: Bible.
I Love: Mimi. Me love you, MiMi!
I Sometimes: pick my finger.
I Touch:toys.
I Hurt: and got a bandaid.
I Fear: monsters.
I Hope: for an apple.
I Break: my house.
I Eat: apples.
I Quit: whining.
I Drink:water. I like water.
I Save: apple.
I Hug: mommy.
I Meditate: food.
I Play: with toys.
I Miss: Papa and Nana, and Grandma.
I Hold: my babies.
I Forgive: MiMi.
I Drive: car with keys.
I Have: toys.
I Don't: want to go to bed.
I Kiss: Mommy.
I Believe: that.
I Feel: hurt.
I Know: Mommy Loves Me.
I Wonder: what you are.

Jael:

(Jael is my niece. She's four years old.)


I: will fight this fight.
I Live: for You alone.
I Work: in the house.
I Talk: to a person.
I Wish: I would have a nice big armoire.
I Enjoy: having a party.
I Look: for things I have lost in my room.
I Find: them when I can find them.
I Made: my bed all of the time.
I Smell: yummy dessert.
I Listen: to my Mommy and Daddy.
I Hide: when I am playing Hide and Go Seek.
I Pray: to God when things that scare me.
I Walk: and hold my mommy and daddy's hand.
I Write: letters when I am learning and doing school.
I See: things that I really love that are really fun to play with.
I Sing: worship.
I Laugh: when something is funny.
I Can: do things that I know how to do.
I Watch: things that I am allowed.
I Learn: ABCs.
I Dream: good things.
I remember: what I am supposed to do.
I Want: things that I am allowed to have.
I Cry: when something hurts badly.
I Burned: sin.
I Read: my Bible.
I Love: everybody- Titi, Tio, Nana, Papa, Mommy, Daddy.
I Sometimes: play in my room and play with my play shoes.
I Touch: things that I am allowed to touch.
I Hurt: myself.
I Fear: nothing, Because perfect love takes fear out.
I Hope: I will get to spend the night someplace, someday.
I Break: things.
I Eat: food whenever my mommy or daddy feed me.
I Quit: when my mommy and daddy say it.
I Drink: water. When I drink enough water, I get juice. And then when I drink more water I can have milk, too!
I Save: my kids when I am playing kids.
I Hug: everybody I love.
I Meditate: on things I know I can think on.
I Play: with toys all the time when I want to.
I Miss: my Grammie when she is FAR, FAR away in her house.
I Hold: something.
I Forgive: somebody when they do something wrong.
I Drive: the car.
I Have: some toys.
I Don't: do something that's wrong.
I Kiss: everybody.
I Believe: the Lord.
I Feel: fuzzy things.
I Know: some things are wrong, but I have to do things right that my Mommy and Daddy tell me to do.
I Wonder: what will happen.

Luc:

(Obviously written by Luc, 2 years old, and dictated to Mommy.)


I: love Mommy.
I Live: for others days, I pray the Lord to guide my ways.
I Work: another day.
I Talk: to Mommy.
I Wish: I love Mommy.
I Enjoy: a light.
I Look: at the computer.
I Find: another day.
I Made: little days.
I Smell: a duck.
I Listen: to pokey things.
I Hide: in the garbage.
I Pray: with Jesus.
I Walk: for other days.
I Write: words.
I See: I don’t know.
I Sing: with Jesus.
I Laugh: from movies.
I Can: play Candyland.
I Watch: a movie.
I Learn: daddy’s tools.
I Dream: with backpacks.
I remember: with pens.
I Want: food.
I Cry: when I get in trouble.
I Burned: with fire!
I Read: with fire!
I Love: Mommy.
I Sometimes: get in trouble.
I Touch: phones.
I Hurt: no one!
I Fear: for other days.
I Hope: to go outside and see Daddy.
I Break: with a rope.
I Eat: with food.
I Quit: my attitude.
I Drink: juice.
I Save: Mommy.
I Hug: Daddy.
I Meditate: Mommy.
I Play: with toys.
I Miss: Mommy.
I Hold: Mommy.
I Forgive: for other days.
I Drive: with cars.
I Have: a mommy.
I Don't: clicking. (Daja: In Luc’s language that means typing on the computer.)
I Kiss: Mommy.
I Believe: Fire.
I Feel: horsies.
I Know: no one.
I Wonder: I don’t know.

Israel:

(Written by Israel, dictated to Mommy.)



I: am a hugger.
I Live: at Atascadero.
I Work: at home.
I Talk: to Daddy and Mommy.
I Wish: I could see Emee.
I Enjoy: Mommy’s day.
I Look: at the city.
I Find: Lucas.
I Made: a special gift.
I Smell: Lucas.
I Listen: to Lukey.
I Hide: from Mommy.
I Pray: to Jesus.
I Walk: to Jesus.
I Write: my Daddy’s name.
I See: Lucas.
I Sing: songs to Lucas.
I Laugh: at Lukey.
I Can: Mommy’s things.
I Watch: Veggie Tales.
I Learn: something new.
I Dream: about Mommy....oh and about Lukey.
I remember: my dream about a sandwich.
I Want: to love Mommy.
I Cry: about badness.
I Burned: marshmallows and eat them quickly!
I Read: a story.
I Love: Mommy.
I Sometimes: be grumpy.
I Touch: good things.
I Hurt: myself.
I Fear: no evil!
I Hope: I would do good things.
I Break: something that I’m not supposed to.
I Eat: pigs.
I Quit: punching.
I Drink: juice.
I Save: your life.
I Hug: Mommy.
I Meditate: my sword.
I Play: with toys.
I Miss: Emee.
I Hold: Mommy.
I Forgive: you.
I Drive: to Papa and Nana’s house.
I Have: a bubble wand.
I Don't: want to do.
I Kiss: Mommy.
I Believe: Jesus.
I Feel: badly.
I Know: something.
I Wonder: what you are.

Meg:

(Written entirely by Meg, dictated to Mommy.)


I: am beautiful
I Live: in Atascadero
I Work: doing my school work.
I Talk: to mommy
I Wish: I can get all better. (Daja: she has a cold.)
I Enjoy: being with my mommy.
I Look: at my mommy.
I Find: the car keys for mommy.
I Made: a project.
I Smell: something yummy.
I Listen: to listen to my mommy and daddy.
I Hide: and seek with daddy.
I Pray: to Jesus.
I Walk: in the streets with mommy.
I Write: a letter.
I See: Jesus.
I Sing: worship music.
I Laugh: when daddy tickles me.
I Can: listen to Jesus when He’s with us when we are worshipping at church.
I Watch: a shiny star come out of the sky.
I Learn: that Jesus is in my heart.
I Dream: that I can be with Jesus all the time.
I remember: when I was a baby.
I Want: ice cream!
I Cry: to Jesus.
I Burned: marshmallows.
I Read: what I am learning to read.
I Love: to be with my mommy all the time!
I Sometimes: have my brothers being funny to me.
I Touch: a sheep at the Avila Valley Barn.
I Hurt: Izzy when I was a baby.
I Fear: snakes.
I Hope: that I can learn to read books all by myself.
I Break: eggs when I help make eggs.
I Eat: what mommy likes to give the kids.
I Quit: doing the things that I not supposed to.
I Drink: water.
I Save: my little brother from going out side and getting burned in the sun.
I Hug: my little brother, Caesar.
I Meditate: on books.
I Play: with my brothers all the long day.
I Miss: Emee.
I Hold: my little brother carefully.
I Forgive: when my brothers hit me.
I Drive: when Daddy pushes the pedals and I sit on his lap.
I Have: my stuff.
I Don't: touch things in the store.
I Kiss: my little brother when he gets hurt.
I Believe: that Jesus will come for Christians, even the ones who eat McDonalds.
I Feel: when my mommy hugs me.
I Know: I don’t know.
I Wonder: what the new baby will look like.

I:

I: am a child of God.
I Live: with four of the cutest kids in the world!
I Work: at being a good housekeeper.
I Talk: to the baby in my belly.
I Wish: upon shooting stars.
I Enjoy: spending time with people who make me laugh.
I Look: like John Travolta apparantly. :-)
I Find: infomercials extremely entertaining.
I Made: a dress for Meg and a pair of pants for Israel recently in my quest to learn to sew.
I Smell: the contents of every jar, can or bottle I open before I cook or eat it.
I Listen: to Gana talk in his sleep and try to remember it in the morning to tease him about it. But, he speaks in Mongolian and by the morning I’ve forgotten what I thought was so funny at 3am.
I Hide: my bowls of ice cream from my kids so I can eat it all myself.
I Pray: for my mother everytime I see the time 11:11 on a digital clock.
I Walk: with my kids around our neighborhood.
I Write: cards to people for no reason.
I See: the potential in people who don’t show a lot of promise.
I Sing: songs that I make up as I go to make my kids and sister laugh.
I Laugh: as often as possible.
I Can: pop my shoulder out of it’s socket and pop it back in just to gross out my husband.
I Watch: The Office on Thursday nights.
I Learn: as I go sometimes.
I Dream: of being Julie Andrews when I grow up.
I remember: taking a walk with my Grandpa Jones once to the corner store and he bought me some Now-N-Laters.
I Want: to spend an entire day in bed just for fun.
I Cry: at books, poems, in prayer, while watching movies and long distance phone service commercials, everytime Gana and I quarrel, everytime my sister and I quarrel, and when I’m happy.
I Burned: meatloaf once and my mother told me to tell everyone it was Cajun.
I Read: Random blogs of people I don’t know.
I Love: Jesus!
I Sometimes: Pretend that I’m already alseep so that Gana can go pick up the baby.
I Touch: heaven with my prayers.
I Hurt: when one of my children hurt.
I Fear: being attacked in the parking lot of the grocery store.
I Hope: to move back to Mongolia one day.
I Break: a couple dishes towards to the end of every pregnancy, because I’m so clumsy.
I Eat: for pleasure, not just for fuel.
I Quit: drinking coffee when I'm pregnant.
I Drink: tea everyday.
I Save: receipts in my wallet until I get irritated and forget what they are for and throw them all away.
I Hug: My kids about a gazillion times a day.
I Meditate: on Scripture when I can’t fall asleep. If it doesn’t put me to sleep at least the time is not wasted!
I Play: frisbee with Gana. We pretend that we are like the old men on Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
I Miss: my friends in Mongolia.
I Hold: Gana’s hand while I sleep sometimes.
I Forgive: so that God will forgive me.
I Drive: too fast, or so Gana says.
I Have: a knack for picking good movies.
I Don't: ever wash my car.
I Kiss: Meg, Israel, Luc, Captain, Jael, Abishai, Ezekiel and Diego.
I Believe: that what I believe makes me what I am. I believe in Jesus!
I Feel: very grateful when I look into the eyes of my children.
I Know: That I will go to heaven when I die.
I Wonder: What heaven will be like.

Your turn! Copy, paste and fill in your answers. Email me or post it in the comment section!

20 Things I Don't Like:

1. Cantaloupe
2. Rap and hip hop
3. John Travolta, Richard Gere, and Tom Cruise
4. Call waiting
5. Toys that require batteries
6. Little girls’ clothes designed by pop stars
7. Berenstain Bear Books
8. Barbecue
9. Crab
10. The new Winnie-The-Pooh
11. Airag (fermented mare’s milk)
12. Monster trucks
13. Visible bra straps, visible thongs, panty lines
14. When people touch my pregnant belly
15. Carl’s Junior commercials
16. Elective c-sections
17. When people are so open-minded that their good sense falls out
18. Soda Pop
19. The Disney version of great literature (like the Hunchback of Notre Dame) or historical events (like Pocahontas)
20. The smell of fast food breakfasts

May your day have just enough irritation to build character, but not enough to drive you crazy! :-)