goals

I never make resolutions. ever. because I always break them. SO this year, they are called "goals" and are broken down into categories. Each category is further refined. For example, my "Personal Goals" include reading more purposefully.

X. Personal Goals
I. Be more purposeful in my reading this year
A. Read two books a month
1. Read one fiction book a month
2. Read one non-fiction/spiritual book a month

For January, I read "The Violets of March" as my fiction choice and am slooooooowly reading through Piper's "This Momentary Marriage" as my non-fiction selection. Honestly, without my goal in mind, I would've put it down after the first three pages. He's not really my kind of author. Quite repetitive and dry. But...I. Will. Finish. Just to check off January's goal ;-)

What's on your reading list for this year?

2012

I know that 2012 holds many new adventures for me and my family. Continuing to adjust to a new house. Adding a baby. Figuring out a new schedule and routine. Learning to lighten up (with myself and my family, mainly Isabel). Determining what priorities and goals I should focus on...phew, I'm exhausted just thinking about it all.

But I want Proverbs 31:25 to be my life verse.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."

How about you? Any life verses/quotes that you're going to use to keep you going?

honesty

Whether it's confessing to pulling her friend's hair, or claiming the stinky gas that eeked out, Isabel certainly is in a "brutally honest" stage. Today, as we were walking on the Ma and Pa Trail, we were talking about how quickly we'd get to the playground.

Me: "Since we're both running, we'll be there soon."
Isabel: "Mommy, I'm running. You're just walking."

Nothing gets past her.

oh the things

she says...yesterday, while driving in the car, Isabel politely interrupts a conversation to let me know

"When brother comes, and he bites your boobies, I will laugh!"

Um, I think she means when he's breastfeeding, she'll find it humorous?!

lost and found

Apparently, it's been 8 months since I've last blogged...perhaps it's the fact that we moved back to Maryland. Or found out we're expecting a baby boy in February. Or Isabel is a crazy, active toddler. Or all of the above. Let's go with that excuse.

To get back into the swing, I'm posting a simple recipe that Danielle Jones recommended.



Easy, creamy tomato soup

4 cups canned crushed tomatoes
12 fresh basil leaves
1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
1 stick (1/4 lb) of unsalted butter
Salt to taste
¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper

Simmer tomatoes in saucepan for 30 minutes. Puree, with the basil leaves, in small batches, in blender or food processor, or use immersion blender. I swear by mine. Another great Christmas gift given to me by Miguel If you don't have one, go buy one. Now.

Return to saucepan and add cream, butter, salt and pepper while stirring over low heat. Garnish with basil leaves and serve with your favorite bread.

funny?

Isabel has quite the temper. She's strong-willed. She's opinionated. She's stubborn. She's me...the other night she was having a tantrum over something silly. I was sitting on the floor next to her as she was screaming. She looked me right in the eyes and said, "Mommy I do NOT like you."

I had to laugh. Ok, I was a little hurt, but really, does she even know what that means?!

Yesterday, we went to my grandfather's for the first time since Miguel painted our bedrooms. I took Isabel into her PURPLE room. She got a huge smile and started giggling. Without skipping a beat she said, "But where's my PINK room?"

I knew it. I knew it. She'd never fall for the purple room. We're bribing her with pink accents. Because, honestly, who can handle an all-bubblegum-pink room?!

and another...

Yesterday, we had a bunch of errands to run. In one of the stores, I was trying on a dress. Isabel was in the fitting room with me. As I am getting ready to put the dress on, she screams, "Mommy why are you NAKIE?!"

excellent. Yes, lady in the stall next to me. I am nakie, indeed.

quiet

Haven't had much time (or many thoughts for that matter) to post here. But, thought a few Isabel funnies might tide me over until I have some time.

Isabel loves to take her shoes off in the car. I don't care. Go ahead. Not fighting that battle. Today, she says to me, "Mom, I'm taking my shoes off....my toes are freezin' hot!" Right concept, wrong adjective.