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Mondo Beyondo 2006

I like the New Year.

I like having a time to collect my thoughts from the past year. A time to reflect, be grateful, see how far the Lord has brought me.

I like having a time to dream.

A few years ago, some girlfriends introduced me to the idea of a "Mondo Beyondo List" for the new year. This is the list of all the wild and crazy dreams we have, the things that are so out there it is almost scary to write them down. This isn't a resolutions list of eating healthier and spending wiser. This is the mondo beyondo list, the ideas that tug at your heart and are almost out of reach even of day dreams.

I'm taking some time this week to day dream. And I'll post my Mondo Beyondo list come January 1st. (Well, at least part of it--some is too scary to post publicly--you know. . .)

Please share yours, too--either on your own blog or in the comments.

Mondo Beyondo Lists:
Lenise's
Kristen's
Hannah Im's
Amie's
Christina's

December 31, 2005  |  Comments (9)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Listening to History / Folding Laundry

I did a quick search for something worthwhile to occupy my mind while I fold clothes tonight. One of my favorite resources is Monergism.Com, and once again it delivered!

I perused the Audio Resources page, and instead of a sermon decided to a history lecture:
The Story of Calvinism: A Historical Survey by Phil Johnson

I'm about a third of the way through it, and it is very interesting. I like ol' Pyro Phil, even if he isn't Presbyterian. *eg*

December 30, 2005  |  Comments (3)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Getting Ready. . .

Woohoo! We're getting ready for the Laurichka! Aunt Laura from Kyiv is coming to visit and spend New Year's, a traditional Ukrainian New Year's, with us!

(And, oh, I am soooo behind on laundry. . . And that guest room we e-mailed her about? It's still the office/storage room. Ah, well. She knows us well, knows all our dirt, and loves us anyway.)

December 29, 2005  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Yet: O Glorious Yet

This day,
In sadness borne,
We must confess:
The Spirit of the Age
Has crushed
The infant in the cradle.

And yet:
O glorious yet,
One day, in gladness shown,
We must profess:
The infant from the manger
Has crushed
The Spirit of the Age.

Tristan Gylberd (1954-)

From George Grant and King's Meadow

December 25, 2005  |  Comments (3)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

*whispering*

I have a sore throat and having trouble talking. It's getting worse. *quiet sigh*

December 24, 2005  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Ну, Дед Мороз, погоди!

I've been feeling so sentimental about Ukraine the past month. Maybe because one year ago we were in the midst of the Orange Revolution. Maybe because I'm feeling more settled now, and "safer" to start missing Ukraine.

The holiday season has seemed so different. I really got used to preparing our family / American friend Christmas for December 25th. Then celebrating New Year's with our Ukrainian friends. And then a religious observance of Ukrainian Christmas. This year everything seems so. . . rushed.

My dear friend Laura has just returned from serving over three years in Ukraine. We are hoping to have her join us for New Year's. Have some familiarity, continuity, for us both.

One of the things I'm missing is the Christmas music I got used to in Ukraine. This song (though another version, which I can't find to play online) has been going through my head all week. I keep trying to change the radio station to find one playing it, but they are all playing American traditional music. It's a song from a children's cartoon series about a wolf and rabbit (and it may be an older folk song, I don't know.) The version I heard on the radio all the time in Kyiv was a pop one done by the groups "The Leperchauns". The music video for it was fun, too.

НОВОГОДНЯЯ ПЕСЕНКА. из мультфильма "Ну, погоди!"

Расскажи, Снегурочка, где была?
Расскажи-ка, милая, как дела?
За тобою бегала, Дед Мороз,
Пролила немало я горьких слёз!

Припев:
А ну-ка, давай-ка плясать выходи!
Нет, Дед Мороз! Нет, Дед Мороз!
Нет, Дед Мороз, погоди!
Ждёт моих подарочков ребятня,
И тебе достанется от меня!
Наконец сбываются все мечты,
Лучший мой подарочек, это – ты!

Припев:
А ну-ка, давай-ка плясать выходи!
Нет, Дед Мороз! Нет, Дед Мороз!
Нет, Дед Мороз, погоди!

Проигрыш.
Ну, Дед Мороз! Ну, Дед Мороз!
Ну, Дед Мороз, погоди!

I'm missing Ukraine.

December 23, 2005  |  Comments (5)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Christmas Thoughts. . .

I just read what Barbara Curtis shared about part of her life, and feel compelled to link to it here.

In fact, I met one just a few years ago when I was asked to speak at another ladies’ luncheon where as I greeted the women working in the kitchen I noticed a familiar face I couldn’t quite place.

“Remember me?” she said, smiling. I had to confess I didn’t know where I knew her from.

“Kimberly,” she said. “We worked for the phone company in Corte Madera in 1979.”

“Kimberly, I didn’t know you were a Christian!” I said. And then there was an embarrassed moment of silence, as we both realized that’s probably the last thing a Christian would want to hear. I mean, what if when we stand before our Creator there is a cloud of witnesses who became believers in spite of our neglect? I can almost hear them intoning the chorus: “I didn’t know you were a Christian.”

At this time of year, we are remembering the Incarnation, God becoming man, communicating His love and holyness in a way we can understand.

May the Lord use us in an incarnational way in the lives of those around us us.

December 23, 2005  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Web Founder Starts Blogging

So, I was looking for info on Nutcracker performances in our local paper online, when I came across this article. They didn't provide a URL, but apparently the Web's founder, Tim Berners-Lee, has finally started blogging.

Google provided the link (what would we do without google?):
timbl's blog

(And on the Nutcracker--I was really hoping to take the boys to see the Nutcracker again this year, but can't find any local performances between Christmas and New Year. *sigh* Didn't realize it would be mainly presented in early/mid December. Next year.)

December 22, 2005  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Hurricane Katrina / Uncle Chuck's and Aunt Gayle's Stories

My Uncle Chuck and Aunt Gayle are from New Orleans. They were caught in Katrina. Here are their stories, as published in the Natchez Democrat:

Couple recounts stories of escape, reunion from aftermath: Gayle's story

Couple recounts stories of escape, reunion from aftermath: Chuck's story

December 22, 2005  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Next Time I Update

I've got to add Considerable Grace (Tara Barthel) to my blogroll.

(Discovered via Pastor Jolly)

December 21, 2005  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

What Kind of Food Am I?

Well, besides noonie food for my babies.

You Are French Food

Snobby yet ubiquitous. People act like they understand you more than they actually do.

What Kind of Food Are You?

One of my favorite things in France was starting the day with strong cafe au lait and heavenly pastry.

(Via Hot Mexican Food Mama)

December 21, 2005  |  Comments (6)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Crazy Kids

It's in the low 70s. The pool water has been too cold for over a month. Yet, those crazy kids are swimming.

Okay, so we were playing around and I pushed them in. *eg*

But now they are swimming and freezing and having fun.

Gotta love winter in Florida.

December 18, 2005  |  Comments (7)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

I Thessalonians 2:7-8

7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

I Thessalonians 2:7-8

December 17, 2005  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

TulipGirl's Gift Guide

TulipGirl's Gift Guide
For the Hard to Buy For Bunch

For the Single Guy in Your Family:
Chicks

For the melancholy Lit snob:
Poe Action Figure

For the Neighbor Who Is Has A Headache:
Happy Company Head Trip Tingler Massager

For the QF Family at Church:
Industrial Sized

For the Millionaire Who Has Everything:
He Doesn't Have A Toilet in Africa
(Thanks, Marion!)

Who are the odd friends in your life who have everything/need nothing/impossible to buy for? And what gift suggestions do you have for them?

December 12, 2005  |  Comments (18)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Martin Luther: Theologian and Cloth Diaper Advocate

Now observe that when that clever harlot, our natural reason... , takes a look at married life, she turns up her nose and says, "Alas, must I rock the baby, wash its diapers, make its bed, smell its stench, stay up nights with it, take care of it when it cries, heal its rashes and sores... ?

What then does Christian faith say to this? It opens its eyes, looks upon all these insignificant, distasteful, and despised duties in the Spirit, and is aware that they are all adorned with divine approval as with the costliest gold and jewels. It says, O God, because I am certain that thou hast created me as a man and hast from my body begotten this child, I also know for a certainty that it meets with thy perfect pleasure. I confess to thee that I am not worthy to rock the little babe or wash its diapers, or to be entrusted with the care of the child and its mother. How is it that I, without any merit, have come to this distinction of being certain that I am serving thy creature and thy most precious will? O how gladly will I do so, though the duties should be even more insignificant and despised. Neither frost nor heat, neither drudgery nor labor, will distress or dissuade me, for I am certain that it is thus pleasing in thy sight...

God, with all his angels and creatures is smiling--not because the father is washing diapers, but because he is doing so in Christian faith.

--Martin Luther

Last week we read of John Calvin's breastfeeding advocacy. I'm beginning to wonder if this is going to turn into a series on Great Theologians and Attachment Parenting?

(Via Carol, via Cheryl.)

December 11, 2005  |  Comments (12)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Cool and Creepy

Bill Gates is using his charitable giving to fund some very interesting research. Some of it cool. Most of it pretty creepy.

December 10, 2005  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Mommy, Remember When?

"Mommy, do you remember when I was screaming my head off for moonie? When I was a baby? I was crying and screaming my head off, and then you gave me moonie." --C5, who hasn't breastfed in years. And who only screamed his head off when we were boarding planes.

December 10, 2005  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Christmas Gift List

I keep making my list and crossing it off, and then misplacing it. *blush* No, I don't rank among the super-organized like the ladies at Organized Christmas or FlyLady. But the important parts of the holiday are coming together--the smell of baking, the sound of carols, doing the Jesse Tree, lighting advent candles. . .

Anyway, so I don't lose my gift list again, I'm posting it here.

Grandparents M: Card and Photos
Grandparents B: Card and Photos
Grandparents R: Card and Photos
(Still need to choose photos and have them printed.)

My Family:
Dad: Bought (not posting it--Mom might see it!)
Mom: ???
MtnMama and family: Ordered, shipped (You can open it early! *grin* It's for the whole family, but especially the kiddos.)
Johnny: ???

Hubby's Family:
Pop: Book on CD, Ordered
Mom: Book, Chocolate, Surprise, Ordered/Bought
Mike and Shelly: Bread Dipping Spices and Olive Oil, Made/Bought
Their Kids: Christmas Traditions Box, Ordered/Bought
Amanda and Jonathan: ??? (Movie and Popcorn?)
Andrew: 1/2 bought

Kids' Teachers:
Mrs. D: Post It Notes, Bought
Mrs. E: ???
Mrs. K: Chocolate, Bought
Miss S: Cosmetic Bag w/ Goodies, Bought

Other:
Dr J/Dr M: Bread Dipping Spices and Olive Oil, Made/Bought
Dee: Hippie Book/Tension Tamer Collection
Bev: Ukrainian Pysanky

Kiddos: (Not posting too many details, just in case.)

Each year we get one "big" gift for all of them, and then some individual gifts. Some of the past "big" gifts have been: a wooden chess set with child-hand sized pieces and the book "The Story of Chess," an indoor wall anchored gym set, the Chronicles of Narnia book set and reading it aloud.

This year we have two big gift. The first is a certain board game that Hubby loves that he wants to teach the boys to play together as a family.

The second is a new costume storage bin and costumes. The boys love dress up and pretend play, and we encourage that. I found some great post-Halloween sales for costumes that seem very durable, and at 90% off, well, it made for lots of fun costume buying! Also we've ordering them these wooden items.

December 10, 2005  |  Comments (9)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Parenting Reminders.

"Remember they are little."
--Carol

"Remember they are space aliens."
--Hubby

December 10, 2005  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Two Little Boys

With beds made up in the bathroom, sipping cool chammomile tea, with occasional trips to vomit.

Update: So far it's gone from R6 to C5 to T8. I was feeling yucky yesterday, but avoided throwing up. Ginger tea and toast feature prominently in our meal plans.

December 09, 2005  |  Comments (10)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Fresh Ginger Gingerbread Recipe

This recipe was originally posted here at TulipGirl last December. I'm reposting it, as I print it out for a shopping trip tomorrow. It's one of my favorite holiday recipes and nothing beats the flavor of fresh ginger root in this recipe. We'll be using gingerbread men as gift tags for presents this year.

Gingerbread Men

4 cups plain white flour
2 cup raw sugar
1 teaspoon bi-carb soda
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon of salt
4 full teaspoons of freshly chopped ginger (3+ inches of ginger root)
1 teaspoon ground dry ginger (opt)
250g (8 oz.) butter
4 small eggs
2 teaspoon golden syrup or honey

Sift the flour into a bowl and add the soda, cinnamon and salt. Rub in the butter until it all crumbles, then add the sugar, working it all into a dough. Grate the ginger or cut very finely. Finally add the beaten eggs and golden syrup and mix it all together. (Using your hands works best.)

Place some flour on a clean surface and roll out the dough flatly. If the mixture is still too sticky, add a little bit more flour. Cut into shapes and place on a greased tray and bung it in the oven at 180 C for about 15 to 20 minutes, leave to cool on the tray and eat them.

I've found that the ginger flavor matures if you refrigerate the dough overnight or store the cookies in a tin for a day or so. We piped details in white frosting on these last year, and they were our primary tree decoration. They still tasted yummy after hanging on the tree for awhile!

I found this recipe online several years ago and didn't copy the url or author at the time. I'd like to give proper credit where it is due, but since I can't. . . I don't want to deprive y'all of such a good recipe and am posting it anyway.

Update: Thanks to Evers, here is the source of the original recipe.

December 05, 2005  |  Comments (5)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Seven 7s

Tenn tagged me on this over a month ago. I really did want to join in, but. . . Never really got to pulling my thoughts together. So here I am, late but participating. *grin*

And Barbara Curtis just tagged me again! *grin* So, I'm updating my Seven's. . .

Seven things to do before I die:
1. Live in France
2. Learn to Dance
3. Sing Lullabies to Grandbabies
4. Be on the Board of a Non-profit
5. Own a old Jaguar
6. Go back to University
7. Write something lasting

Seven things I cannot do:
1. Sew. I've tried.
2. Not flinch when I step on bugs.
3. Sing harmoniously.
4. Totally give up sugar.
5. Balance my checkbook.
6. Think artificial infant formula is normal.
7. Understand why Ukrainians like sala.

Seven things that attract me to Hubby:
1. His rakish smile.
2. His fun approach to fatherhood.
3. His sexy legs.
4. His sharp mind.
5. His strength and longsuffering.
6. His fear and whimsy.
7. His discernment.

Seven things I say most often:
1. Just a minute.
2. I love you!
3. Please, Lord, help me. . .
4. Time to get in the car.
5. Come to the table, guys!
6. Would you make me some coffee?
7. What do you think about. . .

Seven books you love
(I'm going to go with authors whose writing I love. . .)
1. Madeleine L'Engle
2. A. A. Milne
3. Louis Berkhof
4. Susan Hunt
5. J. K. Rowling
6. Ernest Hemingway
7. Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Seven movies you watch over and over again:
1. Princess Bride
2. Breakfast at Tiffany's
3. Search for the Holy Grail
4. Winter Wonderland (I grew up on musicals.)
5. Chasing Amy
6. Forrest Gump
7. Casablanca

Seven people I want to join in, too:
1. Musing Rebecca
2. Prattling Leann
3. Prairie Girl
4. WakeShaw
5. Samantha
6. Joy
7. Keer (If you haven't. . . Did I read it over at your site already?)

Seven more people to tag, in honor of being tagged for 7s again:
1. Reasons Why
2. Shimmer
3. Summer
4. Mountain Mama
5. Fire Ant
6. Healthy, Wealthy and Wise
7. On These Wings

(Sevens first posted 11/15/05)

December 03, 2005  |  Comments (11)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Willow?

Willow Rosenberg 45% amorality, 63% passion, 63% spirituality, 45% selflessness

Likely you're stronger on the inside than most people would give you credit for: like Willow, you're a decent person with both passions and a spiritual side, sometimes struggling for control. Willow is one of the most beloved characters in the Buffy universe; Congratulations! If you enjoyed this test, I would love the feedback! Thanks Again! -- THE 4-VARIABLE BUFFY PERSONALITY TEST

My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 9% on morality You scored higher than 47% on repose You scored higher than 53% on spirituality You scored higher than 45% on selflessness

Link: The 4-Variable Buffy Personality Test written by donathos on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

December 03, 2005  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

John Calvin: Theologian and Lactivist

John Calvin, in commenting upon Genesis 21:7 states:

". . .the Lord does not in vain prepare nutriment for children in their mothers' bosoms, before they are born. But those on whom he confers the honor of mothers, he, in this way, constitutes nurses; and they who deem it a hardship to nourish their own offspring, break, as far as they are able, the sacred bond of nature. If disease, or anything of that kind, is the hindrance, they have a just excuse; but for mothers voluntarily, and for their own pleasure, to avoid the trouble of nursing, and thus to make themselves only half-mothers, is a shameful corruption."

(Via calvinist and lactivist Pastor Lane)

December 02, 2005  |  Comments (5)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

NRO Mentions Hubby. . .

. . .without actually mentioning the Discoshaman. Check out this headline:

DISCO -- SHAMANISTIC VEHICLE OF SPACE-TIME TRAVEL

December 02, 2005  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Blogging Family Tree

Trace your blogging geneology via BlogTree.

This is a really neat-o blog tool, when it is working. Often the site's bandwidth is exceeded--but keep trying!

December 01, 2005  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

So I've Sold Out. . .

Yes, those are blog ads in the right column. Yes, I want you to click on them. Still working on formatting and finding the most appropriate ads.

I've gone mainstream. Bowing to the pressure of materialism. Supporting consumerism. Sold out. Left behind my purist blogging ways. And sure do appreciate your click-throughs. *grin*

(Oooh, hey--just saw an ad for cajun gumbo. Yumm!)

December 01, 2005  |  Comments (6)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink