Under Grace and Over Coffee

Never-ending...and more: live at incourage

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

We have a silly, but sweet, little game we like to play in my house.

It's called The Love War.

You may be familiar with the first part of it - your child tells you they love you, you tell them you love them more. In my house we keep it going to "I love you the most!" "I love you the MOSTEST!" "I love you with all my heart!"

But that's not where it stops. Oh, no! My sweet, ever competitive middle child, Hannah, loves to go even further. After I have told her I love her with all my heart, she responds with "I love you never-ending never-ending never-ending never-ending plus a million plus never-ending...."

You get the idea. Sometimes she goes on like this for a full minute! And then I tell her she wins.

To read the rest, head over to (in)courage.

A Moment of Silence

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:39:00 +0000

Wednesday is Remembrance Day up here in Canada, Veterans Day for my U.S. lovelies.

Wednesday also marks 7 years since my cherished grandfather, who served in WWII, passed away.

This is a week of very mixed emotions for me. Thankfulness for the sacrifices made, for the freedom those who fought, and who still bravely fight, for won.

And sadness over missing my grandpa, whose favorite way to spend time with me was playing cards and eating Salt & Vinegar chips with Dill Pickle dip. And a Diet Coke, of course.

So this week, instead of blogging, I am going to be spending more time just being quiet and remembering.

Because I don't want to forget.

I just like the word "goo"

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Yesterday I decided to be all domestic and make buns.

You should know this isn't actually all that rare of an occurrence. Unless of course it's 400 degrees outside. Then I fully support the bakers of the world by buying their wares. I mean, they have to eat, too! (Although, really, they bake. So they wouldn't exactly go hungry, would they?)

Anyway, so I was baking buns. And I decided I wanted to make some sticky buns for the kids for an after school snack. Because I'm a good mom like that.

My usual sticky bun goo recipe, though, called for an ingredient that I didn't actually have in my pantry. Or maybe I do have it in my pantry - it's kind of an abyss in there. In fact, this past week when I temporarily lost my ticket for a women's conference I'm attending this weekend, I probably should have looked in there. Of course, it was actually under the fridge, but that's not the point.

What is my point?

Oh, yeah. Sticky bun goo.

So I thought to myself "What site should I go on to find a sticky bun goo recipe?" And I immediately thought of The Pioneer Woman. It just seemed like she would be the kind of gal to have a sticky bun goo recipe. Or at least be able to navigate my pantry.

Let me tell you, The Pioneer Woman did not disappoint! If you ever have a desire to bake sticky buns, you really must try these.

Because oh my word, are they ever good.

Although if you're, like, on a diet, you may not want to even look at these. They are THAT good!!

They were so good I went straight to Amazon and ordered her new cookbook.

Did I mention they were good?!

I even managed to leave a couple for the kids to eat. Just don't ask me how many I had. I'm not telling.

Random Dozen: Fry grease at 2 in the morning is still really hot

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

1. It's early morning, about 2:00AM, and you're driving home. You come to a red light and sit there. There is no one in sight for miles around. Do you wait it out or run the light?

I wait it out - I'm a good girl. Of course, I might be muttering inappropriate things under my breath, but that's beside the point. Not to mention I would never drive home at 2:00AM. By 10:00PM, I'm done. I can barely make it down the hall to get to bed, never mind drive!

2. If you had the chance to re-do the last 24 hours, would you change anything?

I'd take the roast out of the oven about 15 minutes earlier. It was a little dry. Thank heavens for gravy!

3. When you reply to someone's comment on your blog, do you reply in your comments or go to her blog and comment? (Or email her)

I generally email her. That's why I think it is important you make sure you click the "show my email address" option in your Blogger profile. Because then I can email you! I also tend to check out her blog (if she has one) - lately I have encountered so many gems that way!

4. Your favorite Disney movie is:

Cinderella, hands down.

5. Do you recycle?

Sporadically - I admit this is something I could use a little work on.

6. Games of strategy or games of chance?

Chance, please! I am so horrible at strategy games. Which is why my husband loves to play them with me. He can kick my cute little tooshie quite easily!

7. Do you have any recurring dreams?

Not really. I think I've only ever dreamed the same dream twice. And that was when I was a kid. I actually rarely remember what I dream anymore, unless it's particularly frightening. Like running out of coffee.

8. What did you learn from your first real job?

My first real job was at McDonald's. I learned the value of being a team player, and working quickly and efficiently, something I carry with me even today. I also learned that fry grease is really, really hot.

9. Do you buy or borrow most books?

Hmmm. I think I'm about 50-50 on this one. If I am uncertain about an author, but want to try him/her out, I borrow. Unless it comes highly recommended by a friend. Or it's on sale. Then I will buy. I also only borrow by authors that I have too many of their books already. Or ones that I don't mind reading but really don't want sitting on my bookshelf. I try really hard now to only buy books I will want to keep for a long time. Which apparently are a lot, considering how many books I have!

10. What fashion trend of the past did you say you'd never wear again but did?

I personally have upheld all fashion promises of the past to this day. I swore up and down I would never, ever wear leggings or stirrup pants again. And I truly can't bring myself to wear them, no matter how cute they look! It just makes me feel like I'm an old lady wearing kids' clothing.

11. When do you start Christmas shopping?

Right now!

12. Have you ever been so happy that you literally jumped up and down for a few seconds? If so, what was the occasion?

When my sweetie proposed to me; discovering we were pregnant (after the initial shock wore off!); getting a job I really, really wanted; being asked to write for an online ministry out of the blue; getting our puppy; scoring chocolate from my kids' treat bags. Really, it takes so little to get me excited! Which makes me wonder why I'm not the size of a waif, what with all that extra cardio I'm doing.

Oh, that was fun! I needed that today - I caught my family's cold and am feeling a little under the weather. You know, I'm all for sharing, but really. They've gone too far this time.

For more Random Dozen goodness, visit Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

For All Things: Live at Exemplify

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:27:00 +0000

Last Thanksgiving, our oldest daughter, Emma, offered us the most beautiful gift I have ever received.

When I woke up that morning I found on my pillow a sweet little note telling me all the things about me that Emma was thankful for. She had made similar ones for her dad and siblings as well.

It was at that moment that I realized she “got it”.

To read the rest, head over to the November issue of Exemplify Online magazine.

Who Are You Serving?

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Lately I've been wondering just why we do the things we do.

Or, to be more precise, just why I do the things I do.

Do I do them for recognition, for my own glory?

Or am I doing them for God, for His glory?

I know in the past I have been guilty of doing it for me. To make myself look good. To soak up all the accolades and applause for myself. It feels good to be told I'm doing a good job!

But you know what? That kind of glory is really empty. Because after awhile, the glory fades, I start to doubt myself, and I need even more affirmation to make me feel like I can go on.

I wonder how many of us do this very thing in ministry. It doesn't matter what your ministry is, although some are definitely more public than others. But don't many of us struggle with this need for attention, this need to be told what a good job we are doing?

I'm going to use the example of writing, simply because it's something I am familiar with. You can insert your own ministry example in place of it, if necessary!

Writing online is a very public ministry. It's hard to to hide when you post your heart on the internet for thousands of people to read! One of the attractive things about writing for an online ministry (and possibly one of the least!) is the opportunity for immediate feedback from your readers. Within minutes of a post going live, you can essentially have your in-box full of glowing comments from your faithful readers, telling you how you have ministered to them today.

It's a wonderful encouragement and something that has personally helped me through many spells of self-doubt.

However, there's always a post you write where it's so quiet afterward you can hear the internet crickets chirping. No one comments. No one emails. Or, heaven forbid, someone does comment and it's mean and rude and enough to make you want to call your mom.

What do you do with that? Do you decide that because no one is responding that you aren't being effective? I hate that term, by the way - being effective in ministry. Seriously, God is effective. We're just His vessels. It has nothing to do with us and what we can or can not do and everything to do with what He is doing in a person's heart and life at that moment.

Or do you decide that because you aren't meeting your predetermined quota of feedback that it's time to quit and move on?

I'm not pointing fingers here - I've entertained all these thoughts myself. But there comes a point when you have to decide - am I in this for Him, or am I just in it for what I can get out of it for me?

I love getting comments, emails and feedback from readers, whether I write here or elsewhere. But even if I didn't get another comment starting right now, I know that I would continue to write from my heart. To share what He has laid there. Because I do it for Him. Yes, sometimes I need a reality check or a little shake to get me back on track (don't we all!). But ultimately, I am here because this is where He has asked me to serve Him. And this is where I will be until He tells me otherwise.

What about you? What are your motivations? Who are you serving?

May we all serve Him with true and pure motives. May we give Him the applause. May we be His vessels.

Family: Live at Exemplify

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:17:00 +0000

Family means everything to me.

Growing up, it was the deepest desire of my heart to get married and have children. There was nothing I looked forward to more than being a mom. I even remember making my French teacher in grade 12 mad when he asked me my plans for the future, because I told him all I really wanted to do was be a stay-at-home-mom.

God called me to be at home even at that young age. And while I do work casually, the majority of my time is spent in my home, making it a place for my family to be welcomed and loved in.

That doesn’t mean I don’t have areas that need improvement! I am definitely a work in progress. But it gives me joy to be able to serve God by serving my family...

Head over to the new Family Channel blog at Exemplify Online to read more!

Absolute Best

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:19:00 +0000

I spent the past week studying about faith and God's faithfulness to us.

And it got me to thinking about how thankful I am to be able at times to just take God at His word. To believe that He is who He says He is and He will do what He promises.

I can put my faith in God and believe He has the power to do whatever He wants, and the wisdom to know when to do those things.

Sometimes, though, I try to put myself in God's place, telling Him the way things should be, getting upset because He's not doing things on my timetable or the way I would do them.

Like healing a broken body. Or wiping out evil.

Or maybe even something small like giving me more money, a bigger house, better stuff.

Like causing a person who has walked away from God to turn back. Or for someone who has hurt me deeply to admit they were wrong and apologize.

I admit I often struggle with trying to make God do what I want Him to do. Even when I was praying about my son's health a few weeks ago, my prayers often sounded like a whiny, spoiled child, demanding her way.

And yet, when I really stop and think about it, I know that God can do all those things for me, if He so chooses.

He just doesn't always choose to.

I think that's the hardest part to accept - that sometimes God chooses to say "No." And instead of accepting that as an answer to prayer, I tell myself God hasn't answered yet. I won't accept any answer except "Yes."

The only way I can come close to understanding why sometimes God chooses to not move in a way I think He should is to think about the times I say "no" to my own children. Sometimes (okay, all the time!) they ask for things, many of them good. And a lot of times I have to say "no," not because they aren't good things, but because they aren't the best for my children at that time.

Because I don't want to settle for just the good stuff for my kids - I want the absolute best for them.

Just like God wants the absolute best for us.

When I remember that, I can take God at His word. I can have faith in a God who is bigger and more powerful than anything in this world, and yet chooses to love me in spite of myself.

Because He wants the absolute best for me.

Caffeinated Randomness: The End

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

My Lovelies,

I've enjoyed these past several months of sharing randomness with you. I really have - it's been fun!

But, all good things must come to an end. The last month or so I've been struggling to keep up with this little meme and I feel I haven't been able to do it justice. So I'm closing up the coffee shop for now. This will be our last Caffeinated Randomness.

The nice thing is there are so many similar memes out there for you to play along with, including the very popular Random Dozen. If you're searching for something random to do, I highly encourage you to head over to 2nd Cup of Coffee on Wednesdays.

I've enjoyed getting to know a lot of you through our Friday randomness - let's be sure to do coffee often, okay?

Because I really should be cleaning house

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

I'd really love to sit and chat with you this morning, but I have a house that needs cleaning.

Of course, I always have a house that needs cleaning, but today I can't ignore it.

So instead, I'm relying on Blogthings. I know you know how much I love Blogthings!

Your Home Says That You Feel Unsettled and Free

You come across as somewhat intellectual. You can be quite insightful at times.

Your hygiene is passable, but you may be hiding some dirty secrets.

You are a very domestic person. You enjoy decorating, cooking, and making things homey.

You are a very nurturing person. You find meaning in taking care of others.

You don't feel settled in your life yet. You are scrambling to figure things out.

You are a very self sufficient person. You can get along well without much help.

Your friends see you as honest, humble, and responsible.

What Does Your Home Say About You?

Blogthings: We're Not Shrinks, But We Play Them On the Internet

I guess I'd better take care of some of those dirty secrets!

Random Dozen: Because I am orginal like that

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Yeah, so I caved.

All my favourite blogs, old and new, are doing it. And I can't stand being left out.

Also, spell check doesn't work in the title field. I'm just sayin'.

If you're new to Random Dozen, over at 2nd Cup of Coffee, basically Linda asks 12 random questions and we answer. And since my brain is currently tired since my dog decided 5:30 was a good time to wake up yesterday morning, I'm just going to hop on the bandwagon.

(Don't judge me - I am in serious need of caffeine!)

1. Tell me something about your favorite teacher.
Oh dear, I had about three or four favourite teachers. But my first one was my second grade teacher. She had the whole class over to her house at the end of the school year for a barbecue, and served us popcorn with some kind of butter flavoured salt on it. I loved the butter salt. And to this day, I cannot find anything like it. Molly McButter - ick.

2. Tell me about one pivotal moment in your life.
Are the questions always this hard? Yeesh! Um, well, other than the butter salt, I'd have to say moving to the city I live near now when I was 17. It got me out of trouble's hands, straight into the waiting arms of Jesus. Now how's THAT for pivotal?

3. About favorite colors--a lot of people will ask you what it is, but I want to know why it is. What feeling or memory does it evoke?
My favourite is blue, mostly because it calms me and makes me feel safe.

4. What's a sure sign that you're getting older?
Writing a list so you don't forget what you need to get at the store, and then forgetting where the list is.

5. Please don't sermonize, but Halloween--is it a yes or no for you?
Um, hello? Free chocolate? YES, PLEASE!

6. What's your favorite musical?
I really, really love musicals! In fact, just the other night I watched Funny Face, with Audrey Hepburn. That one is up there, because I love Audrey Hepburn. I also adore Singin' in the Rain. Best.Musical.Ever. Even better than High School Musical, which I may or may not have enjoyed. All three of them.

7. Are you more of a city mouse or country mouse?
I used to be a city mouse, but after 6 years in a small town, I'm becoming a country mouse. Or at least a country mouse who can still drive only a short distance to have access to Starbucks. I mean, let's not get crazy or anything!

8. Did you know that it is possible, for a small fee, to name a real star after someone? (It's true! Google it!) If someone were to name a star for you, would you appreciate it for its whimsy and romance, or would you say, "Are you kidding me? For $19.95 we could have gone to the movie and actually bought popcorn."
See, in Canada you can't actually go to a movie for only $19.95 AND have popcorn. It's one or the other. Plus, there's nothing playing I want to see right now. So sure, I'd appreciate the whimsy.

This question comes from Paula at His Ways Are Not Our Ways.
9. What's the craziest thing you've ever been doing and texted during it? I only thought of this b/c I was about to try to text during my walking video but I didn't.
Paula, you do know that this blog is rated G, right?
This question kills me! I am so not talented at texting. It takes me 5 minutes to text my husband to ask him to pick up milk on the way home. And then he just calls me because he can't open text messages on his phone - or at least doesn't know how to!

10. "It's not a party unless _______."
...I'm invited. Duh.

11. When you're stuck in traffic or a waiting room, what do you do to pass the time? PS: There are no magazines available.
I pull out my cell phone and pretend I know how to text.

12. If you weren't yourself, would you be friends with you?
Well, I am pretty amazing and funny and generous and fabulous, so maybe. Of course, I might not fully appreciate my new friend, seeing as how amazingly gorgeous and talented she is... Either that or yes, but only because I might not leave me alone otherwise!

For more Random Dozen fun, please visit the amazingly gorgeous and talented Linda.

Time's a-wasting

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:45:00 +0000

I am at a good place right now.

Disorganized, but good.

I'm happy (finally!) with my job, now that I have all the details ironed out and I feel like part of a team again. I'm happy with where God has asked me to serve Him (not always comfortable, but happy!). And I'm happy that I even have a bit of time at home each day to do what I need to do.

But as I sat here Saturday, I realized that I could be so much more productive, especially at home, if I would cut out some unnecessary things.

I confess I often let my day get away from me by wasting time - whether it be on the computer or in front of the TV, or just plain being lazy. I've known for awhile that this has become a problem, but I didn't pay much attention to it until last week. After 5 days away from home and my routine, the realization of just how much I had to do each day hit me hard. But instead of doing something about it, I did the least amount possible that I could get away with, and ignored the rest.

Granted, I did need some recovery time from all the drama of the week before, but still. I had pretty much recuperated by Wednesday!

When I'm lazy like this, it filters into other areas of my life. Like my parenting, or how I take care of myself. Coupled with that, my husband has been extra busy at work lately, leaving me the one to shoulder all the parenting for the past month. By last week, I was tired and I was done. And unfortunately neglected to make my kids a priority.

Just last night I told my small group that I don't always like to share the things going on in my heart, because I'm afraid of what people will say/think about me. And yet here I am, admitting to the internet that I'm a lazy housekeeper and mother! But I realized two things:

I'm probably not alone in experiencing these seasons, and therefore maybe one of you will feel better at knowing you're not alone.
I want to make sure I have some accountability in place as I move forward to making some changes in my life.

So this week I am going to work on simplifying. On spending less time wasting time and more time doing the things I need to do. I'm not trying to be all Martha-ish and have a perfect house or anything - I just need to get things done! My friend Raelynn often says "It's what you make time to do." And that can apply to anything. Instead of making time to waste, I want to make time to accomplish my tasks and spend with my kids.

Who knows? I may end up having a lot more free time than I thought I did!

What are your time-wasters?

Caffeinated Randomness: And did I mention it's only 62 more days 'til Christmas?

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

I am so thankful for this bit of randomness today - I need it!

For those of you who were praying along with me last week, thank you so much! Ethan is doing much better - as of yesterday evening all pain has pretty much subsided, he's eating normally (read: complaining about my cooking - well, at least about having to eat meat!), running around, and fighting with his sisters. Things are definitely just about back to normal. We don't miss his appendix one bit! He's even resigned to the yucky, pink medicine he has to take for a few more days, although I for one will be happier than he when that bottle is empty. Kevin and I have been getting up every night at 2 am to give it to Ethan. He's not very happy at 2 am.

Of course, neither am I, which is why I have rediscovered naps!

Poor Maggie suffered almost as much as Ethan last week, as she had more kennel time than she normally does. And when she was out of her kennel, my husband said she just followed him around everywhere and the minute he looked at her she'd flop down and wait for him to rub her belly. She was a little affection starved while I was away! But I think she's forgiven me. Almost.

I got a lot of reading done while sitting with Ethan in the hospital. And I must say, if you ever have the chance to read The Guernsey Literay and Potatoe Peel Pie Society, you must! It was one of those reads that felt much too short - I was in no way ready for it to end when it did.

I'm currently reading A Walk With Jane Austen by Lori Smith. While I like the Jane Austen aspect, and the whole idea of visiting her old haunts, there's something about this book that just rubs me the wrong way. I might blog about it when I am done reading it. Have any of you read this one? What did you think of it?

Before I head off into the weekend, I wanted to share a couple of links I came across this week:

"Asking is it true?" at Stuff Christians Like. I love this blog. It's hilarious AND makes me take a deeper look at why as a Christian I do the things I do. This particular post resonated with me this week because I had just spent the entire weekend listening and believing the doubts that had crept into my mind about various things, wondering if they were true. And then I read this sentence: "Showing you compassion is the reason God gets up in the morning. That is what’s true." I think I need to frame it.
Amy Bayliss shared some ingenious tips for not only organizing snacks, but keeping your kids from eating you out of house and home. And one day I may actually do it.

Oh, and my puppy likes to eat crayons. Now how's that for random!

Happy Friday!

*****************
Don't forget to link up your own brew of randomness below.

Remaining

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

I've been working on Living Beyond Yourself, by Beth Moore for the past several weeks, which is an in depth study of the fruit of the Spirit. And I have to say, it has totally changed how I look at the whole bearing of fruit thing.

For so long I have been under the impression that it is all about me (as per usual!) and my efforts for how much fruit I bear. I had misunderstood the whole "if you remain in me...you will bear much fruit." Not to mention I kinda forgot the part about "apart from me you can do nothing."

I'm not sure why - I blame a lot of it on a habit I developed of taking verses out of context and applying them however I wanted. I was so glad when last year God showed me that I needed to really understand the context of a passage in order to understand the heart of the message. Thus I was excited to learn that Living Beyond Yourself was all about putting the fruit of the Spirit in context.

I've learned so much these past several weeks, the least of which is that no matter what I try to do, it is impossible for me to bear the kind of fruit the Holy Spirit bestows on us all by myself. I can do a pretty good job of making imitation fruit, but when it's held up to the Light, it's pretty obvious it's just plastic.

What I've learned is that no matter my failings or shortcomings, God has the power to develop the kind of fruit I long to display in my life all on His own. You know what is required of me?

Trust.

Obedience.

Faith.

That's it. When I need peace, He will supply the peace. When I need love, He will supply the love. When I need kindness and goodness (more on what I'm learning on that another day!), He supplies it.

Because ultimately, it's His to give. And He gives it so very freely, if we just remain in Him.

WFMW: Big Cook

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Last month my local friends and I got together and did something called the Big Cook.

Basically, my friend Michelle brought her cookbook of the same name, we picked out 10 meals that sounded interesting, went shopping, and then spent a lovely afternoon assembling the meals together.

The end result was 9 (I forgot to buy one of the meats!), ready to pop in the oven frozen meals that have made my meal planning for the month super easy.

I know there are several "kitchens" that offer this service, but seriously? These are simple meals that my family will actually eat AND cost less than $10 per meal.

Yes, that's right. $10 per night to feed five people. With leftovers.

My grocery budget is doing a happy dance right now.

Once I factored in leftovers, kid night, and "Surprise! Mommy brought home a chicken from the grocery store again!" night, I only had to plan one extra meal a week for this whole month.

I love it.

I may even start liking meal planning again.

Not to mention what a good feeling it was to come home from spending 5 days at the hospital and know that I actually had something I could cook for dinner. Because seriously? I am so over hospital cafeteria food. And my kids were so happy to have things back to normal, they welcomed me with their standard suppertime complaints.

And ate it anyway.

For more Works for Me Wednesday tips, head over to We Are THAT Family.

At incourage: With Joy

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

If you had asked me a year or two ago what I thought my calling was, I would have immediately told you I was called to work with children.

I love kids, most especially preschoolers. I am comfortable with them; I can get down to their level and explain things in a way they understand. And my heart is that all children would know that God loves them just as they are.

Ever since I became a Christian, I have worked in children’s ministries in one way or another. And for the longest time, it gave me such joy to do so.

To read the rest, head over to (in)courage.

Update

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:33:00 +0000

Hey Lovelies,

Wow. You gals are amazing! I am so overwhelmed by all your prayers and encouragement - thank you!

Ethan had his surgery yesterday. It ended up being his appendix, and while we waited for his operation it actually perforated. Which is just a fancy way of saying it burst. So while they got it out, there is still a bit of fluid left in his body that could absess. As a result, they are treating him with antibiotics for the next couple of days, so he'll be in the hospital until Monday.

Today he was doing so much better - he was up this morning, we took a few walks around the hallway, he played on the computer, did some puzzles, and generally chatted my ear off. He's in good spirits. It's hard to accept that he has to stay in for a few days, but I get it. It doesn't mean I like it!

Kevin and I are taking turns staying overnight, so I slept over last night, and tonight it's Kevin's turn. Coming home this afternoon to meet the girls after school was one of the hardest things i have ever done. I hated leaving my buddy, but I know he's in good hands with his daddy and the wonderful nurses who are taking care of him!

Thanks again for your continued prayers. It means so much to us - this morning I was looking at Ethan and how well he is doing and I just knew it was because he is being prayed for!

Urgent Prayer Request

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:00 +0000

I'm interrupting my break to ask you to pray for my boy, Ethan, today. Last night he went to the hospital with severe stomach pains. The doctors confirmed it is appendicitis and will be operating today.

Thank you so much, Lovelies!

Be back after these messages

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:35:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving!

*edited to add - No, I am not losing my marbles! We Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving a month early. I assume it has to do with the fact that the snow makes it a tad bit difficult to harvest in November, but I've never actually looked it up to see if that's why. I've had a good laugh at all your comments over your confusion, though!*

I spent the weekend stuffing myself full of stuffing, pie, cranberry sauce, and turkey. It was fabulous. You?

On our way home we thought for a bit we were going to be stranded. The highways were so icy in spots you could skate on them. But just when I thought it couldn't get possibly get any worse and started praying for God to just melt the ice already, it suddenly cleared up and we had near perfect driving conditions the rest of the way home.

I then unpacked and watched Miss Maggie go crazy with glee over being back on her own territory. (She did amazingly well at grandma's house. And she even reunited with her sister. Who is like twice her size. They ignored each other. It was a big letdown for all of us expecting to see them puppy wrestle.)

But now, as I survey my week, I realize I need a bit of a blog break so I can get some important things done. I'll be back next week once I've slept off all the turkey and caught up on laundry.

Oh, who am I kidding. As if I'm EVER caught up on laundry!

Have a wonderful week, Lovelies!

Caffeinated Randomness: They're Married!

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

*WARNING! SPOILER ALERT - If you haven't seen last night's episode of The Office last night, you'd better just skip ahead to the MckLinky. Or better yet, go watch it already. What are you waiting for?!

Tell me you saw The Office last night!

Okay, if you know anything about me, you know I am a sucker for romance. And let me tell you, I have been waiting for this episode for four years now!

I can die happy.

And yes, I cried. Of course I did. Maybe not as much as Andy (poor, poor Andy!), but I admit I got a little teary-eyed.Especially when Pam and Jim snuck off to get married on the Maid of the Mist.

If I had known last year when I was on the Maid of the Mist that PB&J were going to get married on it, I would have dressed up a little more.

Although, as it is, I was wearing the exact same fashionable blue garbage bag as she was.

We could be sisters.

Don't forget to link up your own brew of randomness below. Happy Friday!

I wonder if the Snuggie for Dogs comes in hot pink...

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:32:00 +0000

So two weeks ago, I was dying of heat exhaustion.

Today, it's snowing.

Yes, that's right. I said snowing. As in little, white, fluffy flakes falling from the sky.

You don't believe me?

This is the view outside my back door:

See? I told you.

And have you seen my puppy lately?

(Isn't she adorable? I just love her!)

Do you know what this means? I'm going to lose her in all that white stuff unless I can find her a hot pink puppy sweater, STAT.

Or maybe one of these.

(Just kidding. Really. I promise.)

WFMW: Cleaning Tips

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:07:00 +0000

You all know how much I love to clean.

(If you're new here, I don't actually love to clean. I'm being cheeky today.)

There are many, many, MANY days I wish my house had a self-cleaning button. Or some cleaning fairies. My daughter, the fairy expert, assures me that there are all types of fairies, so obviously one or two of them must like to clean. And if that's the case, why aren't they at my house? I think I need to speak to the head fairy or something, because this is not acceptable.

Sorry. Cheekiness.

I've tried all sorts of cleaning "systems" and routines, but the one I continue to stick with daily is what I call my "Quick Clean Routine".

I'm pretty sure I stole that from a book.

No matter what my day looks like, I try to make sure that by the time my kids are off to school, I have the house at least looking presentable. I get the breakfast dishes done. I sweep the floors. I do a quick swipe of the kids' bathroom (to get all that blue toothpaste cleaned up. What on earth are they doing with the toothpaste?!). I make the beds and make sure stuff is picked up off the floor.

All of this takes me about 20 minutes to do. I obviously have a deeper cleaning routine that I (sometimes) stick to so my house is actually clean, but this one at least makes it presentable. And I don't feel so guilty if I choose to skip cleaning altogether in favour of something fun, like tea with my neighbor or going shopping for umbrellas and rain boots.

Make that winter boots. It's COLD!

For more cleaning tips, head over to We Are THAT Family.

At least we'll still have the brownies

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Hello, Lovelies.

Last Thursday I promised to reveal the next selection for BBB today.

Well, I've been doing some thinking.

I love BBB. When my fabulous friend Kristen came up with the idea last Spring, I was all over it. And even though by the end our participation had dwindled to just the two of us, I thought it was worth a shot to try again this Fall, with a few tweaks.

But it seems like while it's a good idea, and people even say they like the idea, it just isn't working.

So I've decided to adjourn BBB for now. Because really, it's only fun for me if it's fun for you.

But, if you really want to know what I'll be working on reading this month, I've decided I need to finish a certain book by Shannon Ethridge that's been sitting on my nightstand for several months now. I don't want to type the title here, because I could really do without all the weird hits that will bring about!

I've been slowly working through this book off and on now since earlier this year. It's not that it's a bad book, I'm just having a hard time getting into it. Her focus is for women who come from shattered pasts in that whole area, but there is still some good stuff for those of us to whom it doesn't apply. *wink*

My husband REALLY wants me to finish (haha!), so while I had been planning on reading Beth Moore's Get Out of That Pit, I feel like I should finish this first.

Oh, there are so many things I could say right now, but I won't. This is a G-rated blog, after all.

*wink wink*

And please, don't feel bad if you planned on participating for BBB and then just couldn't. I totally get it. No worries - I still love you. And we'll always have brownies!

Like Me

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

I have a bit of a confession to make.

Ever since this past spring when things started to really happen, when God confirmed my calling (okay, when I started to listen!), I've been struggling.

I've been struggling to be someone I am not.

Somewhere along the way, I convinced myself that I needed to be just like the people I serve alongside with. This isn't a new issue for me. In fact, I have chameleon-like tendencies all the time. It's how I survive. I prefer to try to blend in so I don't draw attention to myself.

But in doing so, I forget to be true to me, or rather true to who I am created to be. So while I can talk a lot about how important it is for us to find our identity in Jesus and be faithful to that, the truth is I haven't been living that way at all.

For weeks I've been struggling with what to write. Not just here, but everywhere God has asked me to serve Him. And I couldn't figure out why. I mean, I thought I was doing all the right things. Nothing had really changed in my life to hinder my ability to write.

And then over the weekend as I was praying about it, God made it clear to me that I've been trying to fit into someone else's shoes. And while they're pretty stylin' and amazing shoes, they aren't made for me.

God reminded me that my calling is mine alone. Just like your calling is yours alone. God doesn't expect me to do what you've been called to do, because He didn't ask me to do it. Similarly, God isn't asking me to write like the fabulously talented and gifted women I am surrounded by. He's asking me to write how I write. To use my own voice. Bad grammar, punctuation, run-on sentences and all.

If this sounds familiar, it's because it is. I've struggled with this for months now in one form or another. I've never said I was a fast learner!

The funny thing is, that while for weeks I have struggled every single time I sit down at my computer, this realization today has set me free. And I find myself struggling to type as fast as my thoughts are tumbling out.

That makes me smile. I feel like me again.

Firsts...and Lasts (at Exemplify)

graceandcoffee@yahoo.com (Andrea) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 03:54:00 +0000

I normally love fall.

I love how the leaves turn their beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows as they lose their chlorophyll. I love the crispness and the scent of the air (Well, usually. I do live near several dairy farms!). I enjoy the return to routine as our regular activities pick back up again.

But this year I find I am dreading the change in season. And as much as I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things, I am finding there is one day above all others that I would rather put off as long as possible, if I had a choice.

My son’s first day of Kindergarten.

To read the rest, head over to Exemplify Online's October issue.