liebster love / things about me / blog love

So a lovely girl named Ellen, whom I met through the mug swap, nominated me for a liebster award. Who even knows the heck what this means, other than somebody reads my blog and wants to spread the love. I can get behind that! :) It's sort of a meme.

Liebster is a German word meaning sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. Considering I just came back from a Bavarian wonderland, well let me just say, Das ist zer gut!!!

The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers with less than 200 followers.

It's simple...

1) List 11 things about you

2) Answer the 11 questions from the person who nominated you

3) Nominate 11 new people

4) Write 11 new questions for them to answer

5) Be sure to let the folks know they've nominated

11 Things About Me:

I love to bake. Being grain-free didn't stop me, but now that I'm back to eating flour and sugar (in moderation), I've been baking up a storm. This was my most recent and favorite recipe. I browned the butter and used the chai-cashew brittle. I almost died they were so good. Then I promptly wrapped them up and gave them away so I wouldn't finish the whole 8x8 pan myself.

I love the beach. I feel so at home at the ocean. I could walk for hours in the sand along the crashing waves. I got this from my sweet mom. She loves the beach more than anyone else I know.

I have THE MOST amazing family. I can't imagine a more wonderful, loving, supportive group of people to whom I happen to be related. I wish I could move my entire family down to my neighborhood. 

I love to read. I devour books. I read really, really fast and mourn when books are over. I wish I could slow down and enjoy books more, like a long, multi-course meal. I'm working on that. I love the smell of library books and used bookstores. Maybe when I "retire" I'll open a B&B where I can bake lovely things, host lovely people, and store a collection of lovely old books.

I have ulcerative colitis. My last scan showed that my insides are red and angry. That's why I head into SF every two-six weeks to get remicade infusions. Sitting in a chair for 4 hours isn't exactly a punishment. So far today (getting an infusion as I type this) I've instagrammed, facebooked, blogged, knitted, and looked at my new magazines. Sure beats running to the bathroom 9 times a day.

Speaking of colitis, I'm taking prednisone right now, too. It makes me crazy. And productive. And emotional. And wordy. The end.

I've been married for 12 years to my hubby Ben. I like him more every year. That is definitely God's sanctifying work in both of our lives. I highly recommend marriage and parenthood to increase the rate of personal sanctification. :)

Speaking of parenthood, I returned home from three days away last night to the most lovely, amazing, sweet, affectionate, and wonderful children. Sam said, "You such nice Mama. I love you so much. I never let you go away again......just kidding!" It seriously made me laugh and cry at the same time. His ability to express his feelings and his sense of humor grow with each day. What a crazy nut! Maddie kissed me a thousand times and shared all about her week. We snuggled together in the big bed, singing songs together and marveling at our luck to be parents to two strong, resilient, fun, loving, joy-filled kids. Such a great homecoming. Such a gift. I guess what this says about me is that I love being a parent, on the best of days (kisses and snuggles) and the worst (sanctification, baby!).

I am pregnant with our third child. We think it's a girl. I'm so sure it's a girl I'm knitting a pink blanket. If I'm wrong I'll be quite surprised, but I don't really care either way. We have a girl's name picked out, but not a boy's. I'll find out for sure on Tuesday at our 20 week ultrasound, as long as the baby is cooperating.

I'm a total klutz. I spilled bleach all over my black pants this morning. I trip all the time. I drop things. My hands shake when I'm concentrating, and it's worse if I'm hungry or highly caffeinated. I always have bruises that I don't remember causing. I run into things every day. I come by it pretty honestly.

I really, really love Jesus. Every day I fall more and more in love with the person and work of Christ. The love he has for his kids overwhelms me to tears. I feel so humbled and honored to be a part of his church and his family. I hope above all else that my life points people to the love, care, compassion, hope, joy and healing of a God who loves them.

11 Questions from the lovely Ellen:

1)   If you could be a book character who would it be? 

I'd want to live in the book The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. 
Love it. I don't think I want to be Mary, but I'd like to be her friend.

2)   What color are the walls in your home?

Downstairs they are a neutral taupe with accent faux-marbled painted walls. 
The previous owners did it and it looks good. Our room is light blue. Maddie's room is light green. 
Sam's is taupe.

3)   How often do you stop to thank God in and through your day?

Some days I feel like I'm in a constant state of gratitude. Other days, I'm way self-focused. 
I'd like to be more of the former.

4)   If the TV is on in your home, what are you watching?

DVR'd shows from the week: Grimm, Glee, Office Space, Modern Family, 
Parenthood, Pioneer Woman

5)   Vanilla, Chocolate, or Strawberry milk shakes?

CHOCOLATE, baby! But ice cream makes me really sick. :(

6)   How would you describe your style?

Mom style: workout clothes or jeans with a tank top, cardi and flip-flops (summer) 

or flats (winter). I'm not one of those girls who really loves to dress up. I don't wear a lot 
of makeup. Low-maintenances is the way for me. :)

7)   Name one thing about you that you wish more people would notice.

My green eyes! So few people have truly green eyes.

8)   Who was your teen idol?

John Stamos was my pre-teen idol. I was in his fan club.

9)   What is in your CD player or iPod cue right now?

Mumford & Sons, Civil Wars, Jesus Culture, Matt Redman

10)  What is your favorite accessory?

scarves

11)   If you could get on a plane right now, where would it be going?

Kauai, with my family & best friends, for a long vacation

11 New People (some of whom have more than 200 followers..but you should follow
 them anyway, because they're some of my most favorite bloggers):

Tiffany

Keri

Jessica

Heather

Heather

Annie

Kim

Wendy

Mel

Emily

Emily

11 New Questions to Answer:

1) Who is your personal hero?

2) Where is your favorite place in the whole world?

3) What is the best meal you've ever eaten?

4) Jesus: what does that name mean to you?

5) What do you admire most about your hubby?

6) If you could choose one super power, what would it be?

7) What do you like most about yourself?

8) Who is your favorite author (or what is your favorite book)?

9) Coffee, tea, or an alternative? Details, please.

10) Plastic, paper, or bring your own bag? 

11) What is one thing you wish for yourself, your kids, or your family?