Inside Tour, Part I

Since it's all decked out for the holidays, I thought I'd put up some pictures of our house for those who are interested.
Here's a little taste of the Hilliger's at Holiday time:

Not just about a birth

For the past couple of Christmases, this one included, Josh and I have kept ourselves busy with Christmas concerts. This is something we've really come to enjoy. This year we went to four. It's acutally become kind of entertaining working out our schedule in order to fit them all in.
This year has been different, though. It has been a sweet blessing to my heart. As a result of the teaching at the concerts paired with the great sermon from Pastor MacArthur last Sunday, I have been thinking a lot about the point of Christmas. What we celebrate and why. For maybe the first time, my thoughts have not been on the birth of the baby Jesus, or the perfect way in which God orchestrated the attendance of the shepherds and Wise Men, or even the supernatural virgin birth. I've been thinking about Jesus's death.
On Sunday, Pastor MacArthur said that a person's death is the culmination of his accomplishments. The point at which, retrospectively, one's life can be counted worthy. Though there was the promise in the Old Testament of the life Jesus would lead, every other human that was and will be born, comes to the world with no accomplishment. Nothing praiseworthy. No great work or influence. Yet, we note the births of people, even great leaders, as a means of honoring them. A day on which we have accomplished nothing.
This is why, this year I can only think about the most important death that this world will ever know. When Jesus died on the cross and rose again on the third day, he gave purpose to His birth and His life. He triumphed over death by taking on the the sins of the world, crushing Satan's head. And in His resurrection and ascension, he completed His salvation work and gave the promise of the Holy Spirit, giving sinners the opportunity to have a relationship with a most holy and just God.
A while ago, Josh and I made the decision to keep Santa Claus out of Christmas in our home. Completely. Yes, this decision does reflect each of our backgrounds and traditions, but ultimately it was a decision we came to together. A decision for our family, as a family. We know that one day our children will wonder about Santa Claus. Maybe they'll wonder why I don't have any Santa decorations in the house or why they don't take pictures with him at the mall. But after this Christmas 2008, I believe that I will have a complete answer for them.
Christmas is about one thing only and one Person only. It is the celebration of the culmination of Jesus' life. That the Son of God, who laid down His deserved glory to be born in human flesh, lived on this earth so that one day He might die for the sins of man, be raised into Heaven and returned to Glory, and offer the greatest gift there could ever be. One that is not wrapped, it's not under the tree or delivered via reindeer and a chimney. Christmas is about the gift of salvation and the majesty of a Baby that was born to provide it. And that is it. That is Christmas.

"This has been my best day ever"

Last night's entertainment of choice. I have wanted to see this for a while, but could never convince Josh to agree to it. Last night was "Laina's Choice" at Blockbuster, so...sorry Joshua.
He complained, of course, and I told him he'd eat his words.
He didn't eat his words, per se, but he definately snacked on them.
Son of Rambow was adorable. Definately quirky, overall humorous, and at times very strange, but adorable still. I'd watch it again.
It helped that the main kid reminded me of Freddie Highmore who is the cutest kid in movies today.
For those of you who liked Lars and the Real Girl, this might be up your alley. For those of you (Renelle) that didn't...don't even bother. Instead, you should watch Little Manhattan. You'll like that one.

Sweet

If I could build a house from scratch and had an unlimited amount of resources (aka $$$), I'd be a copy cat from sites like this:

http://mysweetsavannah.blogspot.com/

I'd like some sweet stuff of my own.

Cuz it's cool

Homeowners

I'm not quite sure where to start. It's been so long since I've sat down to write something substantial (besides poking fun at Dan).

Josh and I have been keeping ourselves very busy for the last few months. On Halloween night, Josh and I moved into our first home. We'd been looking for a house for about 6 months with little success. In September we finally found one.

I was amazed at the challenge of getting the paperwork and loan documents taken care of. It seemed like it was one thing after another. If it wasn't signing docs, it was scheduling deliveries. It was re-ordering appliances. It was driving here and there for meetings during lunch breaks and after work. Everyone involved worked really hard to get us into this house.

But now we're in and we're loving it. Josh feels perfectly at home and I love the opportunity to decorate and add my own personal touch. Like most houses in the valley, it's over 50 years old and still has many of it's original features. It will need some upgrades. A remodeled kitchen, refinished floors, new bathrooms, landscaping-front and back, central heating and air. You know, nothing major.

But it's ours. Our home. Our first home. Together.


We are blessed.

For Dan

As one of my most faithful readers, I dedicate this post to you, Danny T.

No one knows how to put the pressure on me quite like you do. Since the first day I met you, you've had a special knack for getting me to answer almost any question or offer any personal information that you seek.

Maybe it's your charm.
Maybe it's your loyal friendship to Joshua.
Maybe it's because of our mutual passion for Java Chip ice cream.
Maybe it's the badge.

Whatever it is...here I sit, in my corner cubicle, looking out on my view of the parking garage--and I find myself compelled to compose a blog purely for your sake, because you asked for it.
So Dan, in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and by inspiration from your sweet wife's blog, this is for you:

5.) I'm thankful for your ability to chug a very full glass Egg Nog in less than 7 seconds.
4.) I'm thankful that you had kids who have birthdays because it gives you a reason to invite us to your house. Otherwise, who knows when we'd see you.
3.) I'm thankful that you work so hard to keep our streets clean at least 2-3 days a week.
2.) I'm thankful for your God-given ability to awe a room of over 100 people with your indescribable singing voice. I'll never hear "You Raise me Up" again without thinking of you.
1.) I'm thankful for your contribution to our water skiing trips to the Deltas. Without you, Huey might have been thrown over and left to drown in Platinum Ravine and I'd be out a Father-in-law.

Dan, without you, my life would not be the same. This is my ode to you. I hope it brings a smile to your face and satisfies your need for me to update my blog. Cheers.

**For those of you who don't know Dan (or me, for that matter), this post -like Dan- is dripping in sarcasm and full of love =)

I don't necessarily recommend all movies to all people. Not everyone has the same interests and taste.

We saw this movie last night. We loved it. It was sweet. sad. charming. funny. believable. quirky. clean. An all around great flick.

Like I said, it may not be for everyone. But it was definately for us. And, if you're any of the following people, I think it's for you: Adam and Laura, Ricky, Natalie G., and maybe Heidi.

Friday's Food for Thought

I was in Costco yesterday on my lunch break. Strange stop for a lunch break? Not if you only have $2 in your wallet! Can I get an AMEN for hot dogs and a soda for $1.50? There's not too many places you can get a filling lunch with $2 and still walk away with change. That's what I call a stellar deal.
AAANYWAY...
It hit me.
The light-up reindeer bobbing his head.
The rows of wrapping paper, glittery ribbon, and greeting cards.
The 6-foot Evergreens stowed away in boxes.
Christmas.
Really??
We're there already?? I though it was still summer! I guess I should have seen it coming. The back-to-school Target commercials. The extra traffic in my morning commute. Football.
Summer is long gone. So only one question remains...what's on your Christmas list?

Friday's Food for Thought

Question: In past years, were all the good parts of the Olympics so late at night? How did we watch it without DVR, Tivo, or whatever program you use? Is this what we can expect in the future? All the good stuff happening in the middle of the night or while you're at work? Consider: All programming commercial-free. Hearing all the results in the morning paper without actually being able to see the event yourself.

I heart the Hollywood Bowl

Last week, we made another visit to the Bowl. As I sit here and think about it, it feels like we've been there a lot lately. I guess it's just that fun. For a wedding gift, my brother-in-law gave us a rad picnic-basket-backpack-thing. We love it and use it as much as we can. So, with a picnic dinner in hand--er, on back-- (taco salad, flatbread and hummus, and white wine. I know...not exactly your typical picnic menu), we sat back and enjoyed a night of Jazz. We went there specifically for Jamie Cullum. Unfortunately the two opening bands played so long (and were fairly boring) that it was after 10p by the time Jamie made it on stage. Don't tell anyone, but I actually fell asleep during one of his slower songs. As Josh says, I'm the oldest 25 year old he knows. I have trouble hanging past 10pm.
Anyway....I heart the Hollywood Bowl, and I think you should, too. And Jamie Cullum. And Trader Joe's flatbread. Oh, and picnics.

Over the weekend...

...my mom and little brothers came down to LA for a mini vacation. We had an awesome time.
On Friday, we went here and saw this awesome show. It was an enjoyable evening to the highest degree.

Saturday, we took a joyride down the PCH and had dinner at this restaurant. The waves splashed and sprayed up against the rocks outside our window. It was very cool.

Later, we enjoyed an evening at our house watching this movie and eating ice cream and cookies. I like this movie better each time I see it.

Sunday, after lunch at Joey's favorite restaurant, they left for the tedious drive back up north.

Thanks Mom, Rick and Joe for such a fun weekend. We were happy to host. You're welcome at our home anytime. We love you!

I know, I know...

I'm not old. I'm just starting to feel old. Not in the sense that my knees ache and my eyesight's going. More in the sense that I notice myself saying things like "Who the heck are the Jonas Brothers?" and "Can you believe teenage boys wear skinny jeans? Shouldn't that be restricted to girls?"

So, I started making a list.

When I was young,
I used to doodle my dream prom dress on my notes during church.
Now that I'm old,
Besides notes, I'll write down items I want to remember for my grocery list.

When I was young,
I was excited to start getting credit card offers.
Now that I'm old,
I cringe while writing checks to pay my credit card bills.

When I was young,
I used to constantly argue with my parents over listening to my music in the car.
Now that I'm old,
I drive home from work listening to conservative talk radio on the AM side.

When I was young,
I looked forward to shopping for new school clothes.
Now that I'm old,
I look forward to shopping at Costco.

Is this what it's come to? Have I completely lost touch with all that defined my youth? Is this what I have to look forward to. Because you know the list could go on! But I'd be willing to bet I'm not the only one.

What makes you feel old?...

I got a lotta love

I love vacation.
I love relaxing. I love eating food that someone else prepared. I love coming back to a clean room and a bed that someone else made. I love playing trivia with my family (who knew we knew so much--and by "we" I mean Ricky). I love seeing Josh enjoy himself without the impending doom of work hovering over his head each night.

I love vacation.

And I can also say that I love Alaska. A couple weeks ago, Josh and I were on a 7-day Alaskan cruise with my family and it was awesome! Since our honeymoon, Josh and I haven't been on a real vacation together. Besides a few trips to Fremont and a couple weekends here and there. Leading up to our trip, Josh kept telling me how much I'd love "Vacation Josh" because "Vacation Josh" is a lot more fun than "Regular Josh". I don't know if that's true, but I can say that

I love Vacation Josh.

We had an absolute blast together. We had great talks, created really beautiful memories, and just thoroughly enjoyed each other. Don't get me wrong, we still had opportunites to learn from each other (that's married-talk for "Don't get me wrong. We still argued with each other"), but once those moments passed, we forgot all about them.

Once all 9 of us found each other in Vancouver, we took off on a leisurely northbound stroll through Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway until we reached Whittier and home again.

Downtown Vancouver

And we're off!

Our first stop along the way was in Ketchikan. It was old and dilapidated, but I guess it's a worthwhile spot for it's historic value. I guess.

Known for saloons and brothels, this old town made sure that the married men knew their way to Dolly's house...

In Juneau, we went on a rafting trip with my parents that went through Mendenhall Lake and the continuing river through a beautiful rainforest. It was one of the most enjoyable things we did in the whole week. At one point we could see at least 16 bald eagles, almost in a swarm, flying around and perched in the tree tops. Very cool.

The guides were really cool and they let us borrow these outfits for our formal dinners on the ship. I wish.

In Skagway, we went on a bus tour through the Yukon. Most of it in Canada, we traced the general path that the miners would have taken during the Gold Rush. It was totally untouched, rugged, vast, and so beautiful.

Through the course of the trip, Josh and I kept talking about God's purpose for Alaska. So much of it is undeveloped. It can't be developed. The terrain is too rugged and mountaneous. We kept coming up with all these practical reasons for God's design. Maybe it's so we can use it's natural resources. Maybe it's just for vacationers like us. Naturally, those reasons didn't satisfy. The best thing I can come up with is this: God created that kind of extreme natural beauty purely for His glory and enjoyment. I believe that God's creation gives Him pleasure. His creation screams witness to His existence, His love, and His gospel. Everyone who ever has or ever will travel there can be held accountable for the gospel. That there is a God who loved his creation and had a plan for it through the sacrifice of His Son. The snow peaked mountains that drop into lakes that are hundreds of feet deep. The vibrantly green trees and flowing waterfalls surrounded by bright blue glaciers. It would be no great surprise that it's only real purpose is for the Creator's own enjoyment and the spreading of His gospel. What a design!! And I'm so grateful to have been able to make winess of it.

Yummm...

Last night, Josh and I tried a yummy new recipe from this popular site. We did the pesto side. It had a great flavor (especially if you're into garlic-which I am!) and was super easy. It's a little expensive, especially if using fresh mozzarella, but it served as dinner last night and lunch today for both of us.
My only question is how to make sure the middle crust gets cooked well. I used a cookie sheet for the square shaped dough, and it came out a little soft and doughy. Any suggestions from the more experienced chefs out there??

PS. Teaser alert: I hope to put up some new blogs about our vacation and my thoughts on our first year of marriage...stay tuned

Serious entertainment

If you haven't spent a Tuesday night watching this show, you're missing out. Definately missing out.

Back in action!

After several months of being internet disabled, we finally have our computer back. We've had it back for a couple of weeks, but I think my blog and I lost that lovin' feeling and I didn't have any inspiration to put anything down. Well, I'm sitting down now to make amends and catch up on all the latest happenings in the Hilliger household. Unfortunately, in the time that's passed, I've forgotten anything that would have been blogworthy. Whups. Soooo...for now, I'll just put up a few pictures. Pictures of the couple significant events that I can remember:

In April, Josh and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary. Crazy! It came and went so fast. Much faster than I expected. More thoughts on that to come later...

Last month, I took a quick trip to Fremont for my little bro's high school graduation. Are all high school seniors that young looking? Remember the scene in "Father of the Bride" when Steve Martin is listening to his 7 year old daughter tell him how brilliant her fiance is? It felt a little like that. Like a bunch of preschoolers dressed up in caps and gowns. Joey looked very handsome, though, and he had the time of his life. I wish I had some pictures of his graduation, but I forgot my camera.

In case anyone reads this blog...

somehow, one of us invited a virus onto my laptop and we haven't been able to use the internet. I blame Josh for the virus because of Fantasy Basketball, he blames me for looking at real estate sites and stranger's blogs. I guess we'll never know. Anyway, there's a few things to catch up on, so I'll put up a post and pictures as soon as we can get my computer fixed. Right now, we're too scared to even turn it on.
Food for thought: If a computer virus could come to life, what do you think it would look like?

Question?

Today has been a not-so-good day at work, so I'm taking a break. I'm trying to keep my my cool and focus on something other than the nonsense that happened to me today.
So, I have a question....

Has anyone tried DreamDinners? and what do you think about it?

Répondez s'il vous plaît. Thanks.

A lesson learned

Last night I was ironing a work shirt for Josh to wear this morning. I got about halfway through when I noticed a tear in one of the sleeves. This tear had been there for a while. I held onto the shirt with the intention of fixing the hole. It's about 2 inches long--noticeable. I figured, since I had pulled it out of the pile of clean whites, that he had worn it to work with the tear in it.
"Josh!" I scolded, "This is the shirt with a hole in it. Did you wear this to work? You're not supposed to wear shirts to work when they have holes in them!"
Josh just nodded his head and looked at me with a "who cares. I didn't even notice" look on his face.
This morning, about 45 minutes after I had gotten to work, I had an itch on the back of my neck. Somehow, the 3/4 sleeve got tugged at my left elbow and I tore a 2-inch hole in the back of my shirt between my armpit and shoulder blade. Are you kidding! Right in the beginning of the day? I cringed! My supervisor walked in, and being self-conscious, I showed him right away so we could laugh about it.
Around lunch time I had to go to the post office to mail out our tax forms. You can imagine how busy the post office was. The day before taxes are due? And it's not like I could wait on it for another day and another shirt. So, there I am in line with about 50 other people, trying very hard to stand up very straight so that the hole in the back of my shirt wouldn't be noticeable. How embarrassing.
Later on, back at my desk, my supervisor came over to talk to me about something. I was telling him some story and (like I'm known for doing) I was waving my arms for emphasis. Mid-story, he stopped me to point out another 2 inch-long tear on my right sleeve in the front, close to my armpit. Turning red with embarrassment (another thing I'm known for doing), I remembered how I had scolded Josh for his own indiscretion just last night.
Moral of the story: Always take an extra shirt with you to work, just in case the one you're wearing is ridden with holes. Oh yeah...and something about not being a scolding-hypocritical-shame-on-you kind of wife. I guess I owe someone an apology.

What we've been up to lately

• A couple of weekends ago, Josh and I spent a night in the fabulous Newport Beach. I've wanted to go there since I was a kid and read the story of Christy Miller meeting the handsome surfer Todd (a few of you will know what that is from...) I didn't meet any handsome surfer, but my own handsome husband and I cruised around Balboa Island, admiring the funky little downtown area and the sunny beach. We took a nice long walk on the Newport pier next to the most beautiful houses. Josh had to remind more than once that coveting is a sin and to watch myself!!

• We at at a most amazing restaurant called Agoura Churrascaria Steakhouse. I've never eaten in a Brazillian steakhouse before, but it was quite the experience. A little expensive, but a very great dinner!
  

• 
  
  Since the Academy Awards a couple of months ago, Josh and I have decided to catch up on old Best Picture winners. Easy to do with Blockbuster thru the mail:

We really liked this movie.

We did not really like this movie.

This movie is waiting for us to watch it, we'll see...

• 
  
  Our very good friends gave birth to this handsome little man, Ethan Spencer, a little over a month ago, and I never put up a picture. They are such a sweet little family and it's been such a pleasure spending time with them and watching them grow. Here they are pre-Ethan, and this is the little guy when he's about 4 days old.

• My best friend had her 26th birthday last weekend. We had a very fun time and a very yummy dinner with good friends. Happy Birthday, Ems! I love you so much. Just so you know...this was the best picture we took. HAHA!














• 
  

• Josh's family has had season tickets to the Dodgers for may years. Last week he got his portion of the tickets. On Saturday, we're going to the first game of the season together. If you know me and my appreciation for baseball, you can imagine how excited I am about it. If you don't know me and don't know my appreciation for baseball...I'm not that excited about it.


• 
  
  We've been busy watching past episodes of The Office to get ready for the new episode on tonight. You have no idea how excited I am! Really--no idea!!

Tag! You're it...

Four jobs I have had in my life:
-Babysitter
-Bicycle store employee
-coffee barista
-librarian (sort of)

Four movies I've watched more than once:
-Dumb & Dumber
-Emma
-Anne of Green Gables
-A Christmas Story

Four places I've lived:
-Fremont
-Santa Clarita
-on a Moshav in Israel
-Granada Hills, I'm an official "Valley Girl"

Four tv shows I watch:
-The Office
-American Idol
-30 Rock
-Top Chef

Four places I have been:
-Hawaii
-Israel
-Italy
-Florida

Four places I'd rather be right now
-in a hot bath with a good book
-at my parent's home
-at the beach
-Switzerland

Four favorite foods:
-Macaroni and Cheese (the blue box, blue!)
-chocolate and peanut butter ice cream
-mom's chicken enchiladas
-Belgian waffles with strawberries

Four things I'm looking forward to this year:
-the DeClercq family cruise to Alaska in July
-my first wedding anniversary (this month...yay!)
-watching my friends' new babies grow bigger
-Water skiing at the Deltas

Four places I love to shop:
-Costco
-Target
-Macy's
-Vons

Four areas I'd like to improve:
-greater diligence at washing dishes (not having a dishwasher is the pits!)
-better correspondence with old friends from high school and college
-my attendance at the gym (may have been inspired by the Victoria's Secret magazine I got in the mail-Yikes!)
-my cooking skills

In case you're like us and are into artsy, independant, indie-type films, here's a couple that we saw recently and would definately recommend...

A walk in the park

Ever since Josh has been at his new office, he's been working nearly every Saturday. Nearly, as in, 9 out of 10 or something close to that. This last Saturday was the exception to the rule and he didn't have to work. Thus, he got to choose the day's activities. On Thursday he asked if we could get up early and get to Disneyland when it opened. Of course I shot out an immediate "Heck No!" I was not going to sacrifice my chance to sleep in to go to Disneyland! Can you tell that Josh loves Disneyland slightly more than I do?

It didn't take long for the guilt to kick in--what kind of wife would say no to his one request on his one day off? Ha! Leave it to me. Well, I came to my senses soon enough (the next day) and we did go.

Here's me at 7:30am on our way to the park (running only 30 minutes late):

Here's Josh at 7:30 am on our way (wishing we weren't 30 minutes late):

And as if leaving before the sun was up on a Saturday wasn't enough... RAIN!!

All in all, we did have a great time. Josh got his fill, and we didn't get rained on! Yay!

I know I haven't blogged anything very important lately. I guess I'm going through a phase of shallow thinking. To top it off, I'm not feeling very chatty tonight. So I think I'll just post a couple pictures.

Last weekend Josh and I went to visit my family. Sunday was my 25th birthday. Do I look older? I still can't get over the fact that I'm not a teenager anymore! Anyway, we had a great day cruising Carmel (one of my favorite places), and had a very yummy dinner at a restuarant called Bahama Billy's. Thanks, Mom and Dad for such a great weekend. We had a great time and wish we could be there more often. We love you!

One more down....

Over the weekend I finished this children's book: Daddy Long Legs, by Jean Webster. Thanks for the recommend, Mom, but it wasn't my favorite. It was pretty cute and an easy read, but I felt like it had very little purpose. Onto the next while I continue my way through Mere Christianity, easier said than done.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Now, what are you doing blogging on a day like this??? Go tell someone you love them!

Turning over a new leaf

Like I've mentioned in a previous post, I've started reading again, just for my own pleasure. This is probably the third time in my life I've been able to make that statement, and it be true. The two times before now look something like this:
1.) The Christy Miller Series as a pre-teen/teenager
2.) The Christy Miller Series as a teenager/post-teen
Think I'm being facetious? I assure you, I'm not. It's just never been an enjoyable pasttime for me (Unless, of course, the reading is about Todd and Christy's Christ-centered-teenage-angst-ridden-romance. That subject matter could always hold my interest!).
I digress...
Many of the blogs I've read lately talk about using this blog outlet as a form of accountability (that includes you, Julie) for certain goals or commitments one may have. So, dear readers (well...Dad), you have to be subject to my desire for accountability as I seek to expand my mind through reading. The idea for me is to keep myself "educated" and not let my mind turn to mush because of too much television or blah work stuff. I'll post what I've read so far this year, and if anyone has any good recommendations, feel free to post them as well!
Here it goes...

1. Emma by Jane Austin
2. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
current...Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

Happy Birthday Cole!

My good friend's son had his 3rd birthday yesterday. Here he is as a baby with his mama and auntie, two of the dearest women I know. Such a little man!

Anyone have some free time?

Much to the pleasure and dismay of my mother, I have been quite the little reader lately. All my life, mom harped on my brothers and I about reading more and spending less time watching TV. Well, mom, it may have taken years, but your influence finally stuck and I'm enjoying books more now than I have in my whole academic career.
I just finished a truly excellent book called A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith. One of my mom's favorites, I remember her always praising it but I never picked it up for myself. This book is insightful, heart-lifting (and breaking), tragic, honest, humorous, and stirring. Can you tell that I loved it? It made me laugh out loud and tear up--in public places! (Josh called me a dork for that)
Anyway, if you're looking for a good read, I'd recommend it to anyone.

"Just when I think you couldn't be any dumber, you go and do something like this...and totally redeem yourself!!"

A friend of mine asked me last night if I've had any successful baking attempts lately. Though she didn't refer to it directly, I assumed she was thinking of THIS previous post where I described an utter lack of domestic dignity. Fortnately for me, I was able to admit I had made something I could be proud of. In case anyone is in the mood for a tasty coffee cake, here's an incredibly easy recipe, and you probably already have the ingredients in the kitchen. It tastes the best served warm with fresh strawberries and a glass of cold milk:

Cinnamon Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Cinnamon Crumb Topping:

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

4 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 cup butter melted

1 cup chopped walnuts (I prefer pecans)

Coffee Cake:

1 package (18 1/4 ounces) white cake mix

1 egg

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. For the Topping, mix flour, sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl. Add melted butter; toss with spatula until large crumbs form. Stir in nuts.

2. For the Cake, beat cake mix, egg, sour cream, butter and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed about 1 minute or just until mixed.

3. Spread evenly in greased and floured 13x9-inch baking pan. Sprinkle with topping mixture.

4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until cake pulls away from sides of pan.

Recently on the radio I heard a re-make of one of my favorite Rich Mullins songs by Big Daddy Weave. Though I prefer the original, it's good to hear an oldie-but-goodie being played. If you haven't heard it before, I put out the lyrics. It gives a great image of our smallness and insufficiency before God's majesty and power, like a child calling out for comfort to an all-sufficient Father.

~~~~~~~~~~Hold Me Jesus

Well, sometimes my life Just don't make sense at all
When the mountains look so big
And my faith just seems so small

So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

And I wake up in the night and feel the dark
It's so hot inside my soul I swear there must be blisters on my heart

So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

Surrender don't come natural to me
I'd rather fight You for something I don't really want
Than to take what You give that I need
And I've beat my head against so many walls
Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees
And this Salvation Army band Is playing this hymn
And Your grace rings out so deep
It makes my resistance seem so thin

So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

It's raining, it's pouring...

Today is the perfect day to curl up on the couch under a soft blanket, drink a cup of tea and snack on something sweet, watch Pride and Prejudice from beginning to end(the mini-series version with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth--not the one with that awful Keira Knightley) and listen to the rain.
What do you think the chances are that my boss will let me do that at my desk??? Hmmm...

How Sweet

Yesterday, we went out to Disneyland with our friends, Matt and Natalie, and their adorable daughter. It wasn't until we got there that we realized it was a blackout day and the passes were no good. We figured since we drove all the way out there we'd just enjoy Downtown Disney, and we did! Little Katelyn was bouncing around and giggling about everything. She hardly noticed that she couldn't go on the actual rides.

Fears and Perfection, a interesting dichotomy.

Almost immediately after Josh and I got married, we started getting asked about babies. "Do you want to start a family?" "What about kids?" "When?" "How many?" etc, etc... Whether I want it to or not, thoughts about having children just sort of stick in my head and I can see it starting to affect my perception of almost everything. Unfortunately, that has translated into something I never expected: terror.
Since my perception is more open to baby-stuff, I am noticing more and more stories (from people I know and have friendships with) about all the potential problems with pregnancy, birth defects, and syndromes. And I can honestly say that it terrifies me, so much so that there have been days that I feel consumed by it. I have to force myself to contemplate on the fact that God- who flung stars into the sky and created the mountains and counts the sand- only knows perfection, and that He doesn't make mistakes.
I don't mean to sound cliche, but I am drawn to Psalm 139. Not only v.13-16, but the whole chapter. He knows all my ways. God knows the words on my tongue before I speak (v1-4). God knows my fears and understands them. He has also given me His Word that I may find solace and be reminded of His perfect grace that transcends even the worst circumstances. And I know, even if it's hard to believe, that if the Lord gives us children they will be formed by His perfect and protective hands. That the design and shape of their bodies will be intentional, even determined before time (v16). Sometimes I have to remind myself to meditate on what I know is true and that if things don't go the way I would choose, it doesn't mean my life is out of His control and plan.
I read somewhere that many people use blogs to be more "open" than they could be verbally. I guess that is what this is. But these are my thoughts, and it's better for me to put them out there than keep it welling up inside of me.

New Duds...

Can ya dig it??

Am I the only one?

Since I discovered the world of blogging, it's become a favorite pastime. My husband likes to call me a blog whore. I know, he should be ashamed of his potty mouth, but... I have to admit that he's right. I often get lost in the world of blogging and find myself catching up on the latest in the lives of people I've never met. I find the links are like tractor beams, drawing me in. It makes me wonder. Why are we so interested in other people's lives? Why do paparazzi follow celebs around so we can read about in People magazine? Why are there so many television shows about people's lives and all the problems they have?
Is it because we have a human tendency to look for reasons to covet someone else's lifestyle or belongings? Are we looking to boost our own opinion of ourselves by watching someone else's life spiral downward? Maybe we just simply find pleasure in someone else's joys, and companionship in their struggles. Whether or not we want to admit it, we probably fall into all of these categories at one time or another.
I think my primary motivation is found in the latter. I really enjoy reading about people I knew in college, even if I only knew them remotely. I find encouragement in reading how friends and strangers are finding counsel and guidance in God's Word and mercy. It reminds me that my God is a big God. I am blessed to read about the joys of adoption and motherhood from many other blogs of people I know as well as those all around the US.
I've never been a big Internet junkie. I'd rather watch a movie or have lunch with a friend. But somehow I'm grateful for the chance to experience a little glimpse of what other people experience every day.

Just a few highlights

To start off our marathon of Christmas concerts, we went to Disneyland's Candlelight Concert with a group of friends. It's a really great concert where dozens of local church, school, and city choirs sang carols intermixed with a reading of the Christmas story.
And not the "Night before Christmas" Christmas story. They read the actual account from Luke about the lowly birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. This year it was read by Jane Seymore (from Dr. Quinn). Last year we saw Andy Garcia. For anyone who lives in So.Cal, it's a really fun thing to do. I'd recommend it to anyone.

Two of my dear friends threw a lovely Christmas Tea. It was a chance for some girly fellowship to talk about and enjoy the Christmas season together. It was really great and I hope it's an annual event!

Josh and I were so proud of our first Christmas tree. So proud that we're letting it turn into kindling in our living room! Oops...

My first stocking!! Being from a family that had zero hint of Santa Claus in our Christmases, I've never had a stocking. For my first stocking, Josh filled it with lots of goodies, including a DVD that he really bought for himself. Sneaky Sneaky.

It's been a while!

It's hard to believe the holiday season for 2007 has already come and long gone. Here we are, into January, and this month is going to be over before I know it. I'm excited for all that 2008 has in store, but I have to admit that I'm clinging to the end of 2007 with all that I have. Our Christmas decorations are still out and the tree is still standing and decorated. I guess it's a combination of avoiding the inevitable and being too busy to just do it.
We had an eventful Christmas season, this being our first Christmas as a family. We went Christmas concerting (4x), a Christmas Eve servicing, Ladies' Christmas Tea attending, family dinners eating, family game time facilitating (the boys rocked the girls at Sequence), gift exchanging, movie-watching, and a head-cold getting.
Josh and I spent Christmas morning in the cozy of our own home with a fire and some blankets and our beautiful tree. After we gave our gifts to each other, we mozied on over to Josh's parent's house for more celebrating and a very delcious brunch, compliments of Mama Hilliger.
Unfortuantely, because of Christmas being on a Tuesday, we didn't get any time off work, so it was back to the grind the next day. But, lucky me! I got a serious head cold that week and was sick all the way through New Year's day and then some. We spent a rockin' New Year's on the couch under blankets and empty kleenex boxes. Oh well...we'll make up for it next year!
Here's to a new year: May it be full of blessings, challenges, joys, and God's grace to cover it all.