I swear these monkeys weren't doing this when I zoomed in and clicked.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
This morning's breakfast conversation . . .
JACK: Mom, I think we should buy a baby?
ME: (surprised and shocked) What did you say?!?!?
JACK: (nonchalant) I said I think we need to buy a baby!
ME: Where, exactly, does one "buy" a baby?
JACK: (in an authoritative voice) Mom, we buy one from the hospital. We go into the big hospital and go to the room where they keep the babies and pick one out and pay for it later.
ME: (thinking out loud) Yeah, we sure do pay for the baby.
JACK: So, how about it?
ME: Go ask your dad about that one!
ME: (surprised and shocked) What did you say?!?!?
JACK: (nonchalant) I said I think we need to buy a baby!
ME: Where, exactly, does one "buy" a baby?
JACK: (in an authoritative voice) Mom, we buy one from the hospital. We go into the big hospital and go to the room where they keep the babies and pick one out and pay for it later.
ME: (thinking out loud) Yeah, we sure do pay for the baby.
JACK: So, how about it?
ME: Go ask your dad about that one!
Friday, June 27, 2008
okay, okay . . . .
Absolutely no excuses for not posting. So, here is a summary of life over the past several months.
April highlights: Andrew was in the hospital for three days with the awful Roto virus.
May highlights: A weekend at camp for TLC; a spring banquet (rock climbing and pizza)
June highlights: A Six Flags rally at St. Louis; Nat spoke at camp (so much fun, and 9 kids got saved!); a wedding; a week at the GARBC conference (just got home three hours ago)
Life continues as normal, and God is so good.
The conference was a HUGE encouragement, and I am so thankful that we went!
April highlights: Andrew was in the hospital for three days with the awful Roto virus.
May highlights: A weekend at camp for TLC; a spring banquet (rock climbing and pizza)
June highlights: A Six Flags rally at St. Louis; Nat spoke at camp (so much fun, and 9 kids got saved!); a wedding; a week at the GARBC conference (just got home three hours ago)
Life continues as normal, and God is so good.
The conference was a HUGE encouragement, and I am so thankful that we went!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sour Dough Bread
Okay, here is the original sour dough bread starter and recipe that everyone has been asking for. However, if you want pictures, you will have to visit my niece's site.
Sour Dough Bread Starter
1 Pkg. dry yeast
1 C. warm water, divided
3/4 C. sugar
Combine yeast in 1/2 c. warm water. Mix sugar with the other 1/2 c. warm water. Combine all ingredients in a plastic container. Poke holes in the lid of the plastic container, and let stand out all day. Refrigerate that night.
Three days later, feed the starter with the following recipee:
Feeder
3/4 cup sugar*
3 Tbsp instant potato flakes
1 cup warm water
Mix all ingredients in a plastic or glass bowl and add to the original starter. Let starter sit out 8 to 12 hours. Then, mix the sour dough bread, following the dough recipe below.
Dough Recipe
1 cup starter
1/2 cup oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
6 cups flour **
Mix ingredients together. Knead on floured surface for five to ten minutes. Place dough in greased bowl. Place plastic wrap and a lightweight towel over the dough. Let rise in warm, dry place until double, usually 8 to 12 hours.
Divide dough into three lumps. Place dough in greased bread pans to rise, or make into rolls or cinnamon rolls.**** Let bread or rolls rise 6 or 7 hours.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes, or until rolls or bread is golden brown. Remove from pans and let cool completely.
NOTES:
DO NOT USE METAL WITH THE STARTER! (I don't know why this matters, but it is in big letters on my recipe, so I guess it's important!)
*I use 1/2 cup of sugar when I feed my starter, and it is plenty sweet and always turns out yummy!!!!!
** The dough is really sticky, so I sometimes add more flour when I knead the dough (usually I use 7 cups).
**** To make the cinnamon rolls, roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface (dough should be about 1/2 inch thick).
Spread dough with melted butter (about 1/4 cup butter).
Sprinkle liberally with cinnamon sugar (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup).
Sprinkle with brown sugar (1/4 cup), if you want.
Start at one end of the dough and roll.
Cut rolls, about 1/2 inch thick from log. Place rolls in a greased pan and let rise for 6 or 7 hours. Bake according to directions above.
If you have any questions, feel free to holler!
Sour Dough Bread Starter
1 Pkg. dry yeast
1 C. warm water, divided
3/4 C. sugar
Combine yeast in 1/2 c. warm water. Mix sugar with the other 1/2 c. warm water. Combine all ingredients in a plastic container. Poke holes in the lid of the plastic container, and let stand out all day. Refrigerate that night.
Three days later, feed the starter with the following recipee:
Feeder
3/4 cup sugar*
3 Tbsp instant potato flakes
1 cup warm water
Mix all ingredients in a plastic or glass bowl and add to the original starter. Let starter sit out 8 to 12 hours. Then, mix the sour dough bread, following the dough recipe below.
Dough Recipe
1 cup starter
1/2 cup oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
6 cups flour **
Mix ingredients together. Knead on floured surface for five to ten minutes. Place dough in greased bowl. Place plastic wrap and a lightweight towel over the dough. Let rise in warm, dry place until double, usually 8 to 12 hours.
Divide dough into three lumps. Place dough in greased bread pans to rise, or make into rolls or cinnamon rolls.**** Let bread or rolls rise 6 or 7 hours.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes, or until rolls or bread is golden brown. Remove from pans and let cool completely.
NOTES:
DO NOT USE METAL WITH THE STARTER! (I don't know why this matters, but it is in big letters on my recipe, so I guess it's important!)
*I use 1/2 cup of sugar when I feed my starter, and it is plenty sweet and always turns out yummy!!!!!
** The dough is really sticky, so I sometimes add more flour when I knead the dough (usually I use 7 cups).
**** To make the cinnamon rolls, roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface (dough should be about 1/2 inch thick).
Spread dough with melted butter (about 1/4 cup butter).
Sprinkle liberally with cinnamon sugar (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup).
Sprinkle with brown sugar (1/4 cup), if you want.
Start at one end of the dough and roll.
Cut rolls, about 1/2 inch thick from log. Place rolls in a greased pan and let rise for 6 or 7 hours. Bake according to directions above.
If you have any questions, feel free to holler!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Yes, Jack and Andrew, There is a . . . .
Robot?!?!?!?!?!
Yep. My husband, the youth pastor, the computer geek "purchased" a special present for the boys' Christmas.
This will be an interesting Christmas.
Yep. My husband, the youth pastor, the computer geek "purchased" a special present for the boys' Christmas.
This will be an interesting Christmas.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Lots to be thankful for
Well, it has been a busy month, but God has been soooooo good to us! Here are a few of our highlights:
1. I completed all of my freelance work on schedule;
2. We have a contract on our house and plan to close a week from today;
3. We are growing closer to our church family and to our youth group;
4. The boys are doing well and adjusting to our new home and surroundings;
5. Our newly remodeled parsonage is starting to feel like home.
While I feel that this list is just a smidgen of all I have to be thankful for, I am truly grateful for God's loving care for us. He has provided a buyer who wanted to close in just three weeks. That in and of itself is a wonderful praise.
Please pray for us as we prepare to close on the house. We have to make a trip up to Chicago to take care of some closing fees before we can leave the village of Streamwood (crazy, I know). Then we have to set a time for the closing. We appreciate prayers that all goes well with the sale of our home!
1. I completed all of my freelance work on schedule;
2. We have a contract on our house and plan to close a week from today;
3. We are growing closer to our church family and to our youth group;
4. The boys are doing well and adjusting to our new home and surroundings;
5. Our newly remodeled parsonage is starting to feel like home.
While I feel that this list is just a smidgen of all I have to be thankful for, I am truly grateful for God's loving care for us. He has provided a buyer who wanted to close in just three weeks. That in and of itself is a wonderful praise.
Please pray for us as we prepare to close on the house. We have to make a trip up to Chicago to take care of some closing fees before we can leave the village of Streamwood (crazy, I know). Then we have to set a time for the closing. We appreciate prayers that all goes well with the sale of our home!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Might Be the Last Post for a While . . .
But I just have to share how cool God is!
Nat and I are still trying to sell our house outside of Chicago (think EXPENSIVE mortgage payments, here!) and we are now living on a pastor's income. While I am still doing some freelance for RBP, it isn't a whole lot, but we know that God will provide for us.
Well, I got an e-mail today from another Christian publishing company with whom I have done some freelance work. They are offering me a proofreading opportunity with a REALLY tight deadline. But because the deadline is tight, they are offering me a REALLY nice hourly rate!
Basically, it will amount to well over half of a house payment for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, it will mean that I will be deprived of sleep for several days, but I know Who to rely on for my strength.
While this may seem trivial for some, it is just one more way that my God is providing for my family. And to me, this is nothing short of a little blessing that God is providing us with right now. It humbles me and amazes me how the Almighty chooses to care and provide for His own.
I truly am blessed, and I praise my Heavenly Father for His goodness to me and to those I love.
Nat and I are still trying to sell our house outside of Chicago (think EXPENSIVE mortgage payments, here!) and we are now living on a pastor's income. While I am still doing some freelance for RBP, it isn't a whole lot, but we know that God will provide for us.
Well, I got an e-mail today from another Christian publishing company with whom I have done some freelance work. They are offering me a proofreading opportunity with a REALLY tight deadline. But because the deadline is tight, they are offering me a REALLY nice hourly rate!
Basically, it will amount to well over half of a house payment for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, it will mean that I will be deprived of sleep for several days, but I know Who to rely on for my strength.
While this may seem trivial for some, it is just one more way that my God is providing for my family. And to me, this is nothing short of a little blessing that God is providing us with right now. It humbles me and amazes me how the Almighty chooses to care and provide for His own.
I truly am blessed, and I praise my Heavenly Father for His goodness to me and to those I love.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Imagine a Cool Title Here
Well, it is almost 5:30 (yes, a.m.), and I have told myself that I have to begin my freelance work by 5:30 this morning. So, I have less that 2 minutes to record a Jack moment.
"Mom, can I have some gum? My talk smells bad."
I'm telling ya, I never know what is going to come out of his mouth sometimes!
"Mom, can I have some gum? My talk smells bad."
I'm telling ya, I never know what is going to come out of his mouth sometimes!
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Andrew is 2!
Well, my precious little guy, this is a few weeks late, but Mommy wants to tell you just how precious you are to me.
I will never forget the day you were born; you were so alert and had such a calming look about you. When we finally had a few moments to ourselves, I remember thanking God for giving me another little boy to love and care for.
Andrew, I love your sweet smile and I love your hugs.
I love the words you are saying; you are quite the talker!
We are working on your attitude right now; Mommy and Daddy want you to learn to obey without temper fits! However, we know that if we continue to follow God's plan and continue to lead you in that direction that God will help us teach you in a loving way.
I love that you are able to do so many new things now. You LOVE Elmo and all things Sesame :-)
You LOVE Thomas and all forms of "choo choos."
You are going to Sunday School now, and you like to learn about Jesus.
But best of all, every time I give you a hug, you hug me back and you say, "Wuv you, Mom!"
Awwwwwwwe, it melts my heart!
I love you, my two-year-old boy, and as soon as I can find the cable to the camera, I will post your birthday pictures!
Love,
Mommy
I will never forget the day you were born; you were so alert and had such a calming look about you. When we finally had a few moments to ourselves, I remember thanking God for giving me another little boy to love and care for.
Andrew, I love your sweet smile and I love your hugs.
I love the words you are saying; you are quite the talker!
We are working on your attitude right now; Mommy and Daddy want you to learn to obey without temper fits! However, we know that if we continue to follow God's plan and continue to lead you in that direction that God will help us teach you in a loving way.
I love that you are able to do so many new things now. You LOVE Elmo and all things Sesame :-)
You LOVE Thomas and all forms of "choo choos."
You are going to Sunday School now, and you like to learn about Jesus.
But best of all, every time I give you a hug, you hug me back and you say, "Wuv you, Mom!"
Awwwwwwwe, it melts my heart!
I love you, my two-year-old boy, and as soon as I can find the cable to the camera, I will post your birthday pictures!
Love,
Mommy
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Finally Here!
Well, the Kealen Klan has finally arrived in the booming metropolis of Metamora, Illinois. And, on an even greater note, we now have Internet again!
We have been here for twelve days, and we are finally starting to feel settled in, at least a little bit. Jack and Andrew are adjusting well. Nat is already in full swing at the church, and I am learning to adjust to being at home with the boys.
The house is absolutely WONDERFUL! However, I am not a decorator, so I am going to post pics of the rooms (especially the kitchen) in hopes that you all (hint: BETH) can give me some ideas on decorating!
The whole house is antique white. While we prefer a lot more color, I am not sure if we can paint the house or not. That is on my list of questions to ask . . .
On another note, PLEASE PRAY that our house in Streamwood sells SOON!!!!!!!!! That is such a big burden financially, but we know that God is in control and that He will work out that detail in His time.
Pics will be coming soon, I promise!
We have been here for twelve days, and we are finally starting to feel settled in, at least a little bit. Jack and Andrew are adjusting well. Nat is already in full swing at the church, and I am learning to adjust to being at home with the boys.
The house is absolutely WONDERFUL! However, I am not a decorator, so I am going to post pics of the rooms (especially the kitchen) in hopes that you all (hint: BETH) can give me some ideas on decorating!
The whole house is antique white. While we prefer a lot more color, I am not sure if we can paint the house or not. That is on my list of questions to ask . . .
On another note, PLEASE PRAY that our house in Streamwood sells SOON!!!!!!!!! That is such a big burden financially, but we know that God is in control and that He will work out that detail in His time.
Pics will be coming soon, I promise!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
An Update: the Abridged Version
Okay; time for a quick update on the Kealens.
Back in April, Nat received an e-mail from a pastor in the state, asking if we would consider an associate position at their church. This in and of itself was an answer to an almost seven-year prayer of ours!
God continued to lead, and we had a three-month process of meeting with the pastor and church leaders. To make a long story short, we received a call from Germantown Hills Baptist Church on Sunday, July 15.
The last three weeks have been a whirlwind, so here are a few highlights:
We put the house is on the market
We gave a thirty-day notice to Regular Baptist Press
I am finishing two major projects for RBP before we leave
We are packing up our belongings and finishing up our ministries at First Baptist Church.
We are moving in twelve days!!!!!!!!!!!!
Praise the Lord for His goodness; we could have never planned this adventure in our wildest dreams!
Back in April, Nat received an e-mail from a pastor in the state, asking if we would consider an associate position at their church. This in and of itself was an answer to an almost seven-year prayer of ours!
God continued to lead, and we had a three-month process of meeting with the pastor and church leaders. To make a long story short, we received a call from Germantown Hills Baptist Church on Sunday, July 15.
The last three weeks have been a whirlwind, so here are a few highlights:
We put the house is on the market
We gave a thirty-day notice to Regular Baptist Press
I am finishing two major projects for RBP before we leave
We are packing up our belongings and finishing up our ministries at First Baptist Church.
We are moving in twelve days!!!!!!!!!!!!
Praise the Lord for His goodness; we could have never planned this adventure in our wildest dreams!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Happy Anniversary, Love!
Nat,
Has it really been eight years?!?!
I wish I had some really wonderful poem to post here. I wish I had some humorous thought to share. I wish there was some way to tell you how precious you are to me. But I don't have any of these. Instead, I have simple words.
I love you.
I love our boys.
I look forward to watching you fulfill your God-given gifts as you minister to the teens at our new church.
I cannot wait to work alongside you and raise our boys.
But
Most of all,
I am looking forward to the next day, the next moment that God allows me to be your wife.
-e.
Has it really been eight years?!?!
I wish I had some really wonderful poem to post here. I wish I had some humorous thought to share. I wish there was some way to tell you how precious you are to me. But I don't have any of these. Instead, I have simple words.
I love you.
I love our boys.
I look forward to watching you fulfill your God-given gifts as you minister to the teens at our new church.
I cannot wait to work alongside you and raise our boys.
But
Most of all,
I am looking forward to the next day, the next moment that God allows me to be your wife.
-e.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Wow!
Well, for anyone who might actually read this blog, I must say that my God has once again amazed me with His loving faithfulness in my life. While I cannot yet share details, I can only tell you that God is at work in the lives of my family, and for that I am so grateful. His mercy and love are new every morning, and He truly meets our every need.
So, my Father, Thank You for once again blessing us in spite of our limitations, for using us through our weaknesses, for allowing us to serve You with some of the best teens in this country.
Thank You, Father, for Your unfolding story in the lives of our sons. As Nat and I patiently try to answer all of Jack's questions about You, I am once again awed by Your love. Give us Your heavenly wisdom as we seek to answer all of Jack's questions about You.
And, Father, forgive me for my doubts. Forgive me for the questions that threaten to blot out my trust. Help Nat and I to follow as You lead.
We truly are grateful, Father, for yet another glimpse of Your work in our lives.
So, my Father, Thank You for once again blessing us in spite of our limitations, for using us through our weaknesses, for allowing us to serve You with some of the best teens in this country.
Thank You, Father, for Your unfolding story in the lives of our sons. As Nat and I patiently try to answer all of Jack's questions about You, I am once again awed by Your love. Give us Your heavenly wisdom as we seek to answer all of Jack's questions about You.
And, Father, forgive me for my doubts. Forgive me for the questions that threaten to blot out my trust. Help Nat and I to follow as You lead.
We truly are grateful, Father, for yet another glimpse of Your work in our lives.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Theological moments of today
Jack has been asking so many questions about God, Jesus, Heaven, and the cross. It is neat to hear him talking about Jesus and God. He is really absorbing a lot right now, and it is such a blessing to be able to see his little mind thinking through this. Here are the latest questions.
From my perspective, I feel like I am watching a spiritual journey to life. These little thoughts that seem so small are little seeds that are taking root in my son's heart. I pray that God gives me wisdom to water these little seeds so that they will blossom into true, saving faith that will continue to grow strong.
I am praying every day that Jack and Andrew come to know Christ at an early age, and I thank God for every precious moment that I have to tell my sons about my Jesus.
“Mom, when its Jesus’ birthday, can I make Him a cake?”
“Mom, when is Jesus coming back here instead of Heaven?”
“Mom, is God Jesus’ daddy?”
“Does Jesus ever get a spanking?”
"Mom, who gets to go to Heaven?"
From my perspective, I feel like I am watching a spiritual journey to life. These little thoughts that seem so small are little seeds that are taking root in my son's heart. I pray that God gives me wisdom to water these little seeds so that they will blossom into true, saving faith that will continue to grow strong.
I am praying every day that Jack and Andrew come to know Christ at an early age, and I thank God for every precious moment that I have to tell my sons about my Jesus.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Relaxing week?!
Mom and Dad Kealen were here over the weekend and decided to take Jack and Drew home with them until Saturday.
WOWIE, Wow! Wow!
Nat and I will actually have some time to ourselves. And I might even get a good night's sleep!
Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!
:-)
WOWIE, Wow! Wow!
Nat and I will actually have some time to ourselves. And I might even get a good night's sleep!
Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!
:-)
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
A Fender-Bender and an ER trip means wii are tired!
Well, February has been fun! Here are my top fives for February:
1. Nat got a Wii for his birthday! (I must say, at least this video game system really is designed for the whole family. It is a blast!
2. Andrew got his first "little boy" haircut. He officially looks like a toddler instead of a baby now!
3. My best friend is pregnant with her little miracle baby! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!
4. We had our first family "snow day" a couple of weeks ago. The boys were thrilled!
5. My second Christmas play is being published, and my first Christmas play is being reprinted! :-)
Not too bad for the month of February!
We have had a few challenges this month, at least in the last week.
1. I received my first jury summons for Maywood Court in Maywood Illinois, on Thursday, February 22.
2. I was in my first solo fender bender on February 23. I was rear-ended, but no one was injured, and so far her insurance company has been working with us.
3. Today we ended the month with a smashed finger. Poor Jack smashed his finger in the car door. And I found out that Jack doesn't do well with the sight of blood! Poor guy; daddy was on his way home from work, and after he saw it, we both agreed that we would rather err on the side of caution. Two hours, 3 xrays, a doctor, and two nurses later, we found out it is not broken. :-) Even though I feel like a paranoid mommy, I am glad I took him for my own well-being.
So, that was our month!
1. Nat got a Wii for his birthday! (I must say, at least this video game system really is designed for the whole family. It is a blast!
2. Andrew got his first "little boy" haircut. He officially looks like a toddler instead of a baby now!
3. My best friend is pregnant with her little miracle baby! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!
4. We had our first family "snow day" a couple of weeks ago. The boys were thrilled!
5. My second Christmas play is being published, and my first Christmas play is being reprinted! :-)
Not too bad for the month of February!
We have had a few challenges this month, at least in the last week.
1. I received my first jury summons for Maywood Court in Maywood Illinois, on Thursday, February 22.
2. I was in my first solo fender bender on February 23. I was rear-ended, but no one was injured, and so far her insurance company has been working with us.
3. Today we ended the month with a smashed finger. Poor Jack smashed his finger in the car door. And I found out that Jack doesn't do well with the sight of blood! Poor guy; daddy was on his way home from work, and after he saw it, we both agreed that we would rather err on the side of caution. Two hours, 3 xrays, a doctor, and two nurses later, we found out it is not broken. :-) Even though I feel like a paranoid mommy, I am glad I took him for my own well-being.
So, that was our month!
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