JIFFY POP

I realized this week that my kids have no idea that popcorn can be prepared any other way than in a microwave bag. Not that this is a major life lesson, but I have fond memories of my dad putting oil in the frying pan, shaking the kernals over the heat, melting the butter and adding the salt... it tasted so good! Later we got an air popper -- easier but definitely not as yummy.

However, I am not much of a "make it from scratch" kind of girl. I really enjoy the time savings and convenience of the microwave popcorn. So I decided to use the easy way to demonstrate stove-top popcorn -- Jiffy Pop!

Avery & Ella were so excited as the foil began to expand over the heat, especially when the loud popping started. And the finished result? According to them, "the best popcorn ever!" Maybe next time we'll try the frying pan :)

P.S. We made the popcorn at 10 am so that we could finish movie #5 in the "Love Comes Softly" series (based on the books by Janette Oakes). Kind of "touchy-feely" for Eric, but the girls and I LOVE them!

THE 10 MOST REDEEMING FILMS OF 2008

Today I found a very cool take on movie awards. ChristianityTodayMovies.com announced its picks for the 10 Most Redeeming Films of 2008, highlighting the best movies of the year with meaningful stories of redemption. Eric and I are always looking for a good movie to rent, but find it hard to sort out the good from the bad.

I was excited to see that my latest favorite movie, Slumdog Millionaire, made the list. This movie is hard to watch (graphic scenes of violence and extreme poverty), but so thought-provoking and challenging. In addition, you'll see some great kid/family movies on the list that are entertaining for everyone (we all loved Wall-E!).

If you live in our area, I highly recommend the online library system. If you don't want to travel to a specific branch to pick up the DVD, you can reserve it and have it delievered to the branch of your choice for just $.50! Or Redbox has many of these flicks for just $1.00. Happy watching!

A LAMP TO MY FEET

I was inspired by my friend, Susanna, who has taken the Beth Moore challenge to commit to memorize (or seriously meditate on) 2 Scriptures a month in 2009. Scripture memory is a discipline that I have pursued, off and on, for many years and I am excited to renew this activity in a commited way this year.

The Bible records many great reasons to memorize Scripture. A few of those reasons that I've found helpful in my life include:

• To help me avoid sin: "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11)
• To guide me in day-to-day life: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105)
• To fight spiritual battles: "Take ... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17)
• So that I can recognize truth from lies: "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." John 17:17

The verse I'm working on this week is Proverbs 4:25-27:

"Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."

Anyone want to join me?

THE ARISTOCATS RETURN

One of the highlights of summer 2008 for Avery & Ella was a week-long camp at Stages Youth Theatre. Both girls performed in "The Aristocats" musical and it was a great learning and fun experience. Today they had the exciting opportunity to present a portion of the show at the museum of play (Kids Performing for Kids program). We even got to enter through the performer's entrance -- how exciting!

Avery & Ella loved re-connecting with their summer friends (below is Avery (Berlioz) and Alizabeth (Duchess).

Avery performed in her original role as Berlioz, an Aristocats kitten. Last summer, Ella was cast in the Alleycat ensemble but for today's performance she was re-cast as Jazzy Cat the Alleycat.

We are excitedly looking forward to the 2009 summer performance of "101 Dalmatians"

A CUP OF CHAI

Ella: "This is the BEST day ever!"

Maria: "Why is this the best day ever?"

Ella: Because I got to have a cup of chai with Dad. And he put SUGAR in it! Plus I got new sneakers."

Ahh, simple pleasures.

NEW AND OLD

"Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold" (Brownie Friend Song) These past few months have been a wonderful time of making new friends. And also a special time to spend with old friends. Here are a few shots of Avery and Ella with their new and old friends...

One of our prayers for Avery, as she started public school this fall, was that she would make some close friendships. Rachel has been a sweet, welcoming friend to Avery and they truly love spending time together. Last week they were in the school talent show, performing a skit called "The Frog Princess". They are both such serious girls -- not!

As a bonus, we have enjoyed developing a friendship with Rachel's family. Rachel's sister, Anna, & Ella are good pals as well.

Right after Christmas, we enjoyed a morning with our dear friends, Dan, Susanna, Calvin, Abigail & Easton. The kids jumped right back into their regular games :) It was as if no time had passed since we were last together.

In recent weeks we've had a blast getting to know a new famly that has moved to Rochester and joined the staff at our church. Our six girls (combined) have so much fun together and Eric and I are enjoying this new friendship too!

Last night our two families had a fun night at the museum of play --good times!

We are so glad for the new and old friends that God continues to bring into our lives!

THIS IS THE YEAR . . .

2009 is the year that...

• I will celebrate my 40th birthday (February 19)
• Eric & I will celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary (March 20)
• Avery will be 9 (April 30) and Ella will be 7 (March 11)
• We will have lived in our house for 10 years (December)
• We will have attended North for 8 years (March)
• I will have served in MOPS for 6 years (January)
• I will have been a Christ-follower for 12 years (November)
• I will have been a Seton Catholic Central high school graduate for 22 years and a Cornell University grad for 18 years

Wow, lots of years to celebrate.

To ring in the New Year, we traveled home to celebrate the birthday of one of my best friends, Christine (aka T.T.). She hosted a fun, fun party (you should have seen the "Dancing Queens" routine!)

We loved spending the evening with my sister, Coleen & her husband, Jerry

as well as our good friends Jackie & Chet (along with many other friends, new and old).

"You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance" Psalm 65:11

Thank you, God, for a new year of Your promises!