Retreat

Kat~ Please leave another comment with your e-mail address.  I would LOVE to answer your question but I could not link to your e-mail.  I will not publish your comments.

(taken by me on April 25, 2009, straight out of the camera, no editing)

I think I need a mini-retreat. So, once the peanuts go back to school (tuesday!) I am going to spend some quiet time at home in the mornings thinking about my goals for this year. I think I spent most of this past year mothering (cooking, cleaning, laundering, driving kids to schools, practices, games and camps). While I think that truly is God's work and very important, I think I want more this year. The problem is that I don't know what that more is. I need to figure that out. I will be praying that God reveals His plan for me.


I will be blogging this week and I plan to continue our January project of cleaning out every room and closet and lightening our load. Dave and I have realized that we have way too much stuff. As is often the case with us, we are on the exact same page in that we both want less stuff in our lives. So, we are going room by room and purging. Will and Harry's rooms are complete and the playroom is too. This week, I will clean out Kate's room (and will likely have some clothes to sell in a few weeks). Our plan is to tackle every single room and closet and the garage. A Spring tag sale is on the schedule as well as lots of donations. We are also going to make a conscious effort to bring less stuff into our home this year.


In looking back on my goals for 2009, I did okay on some such as working on my photography (at least in the beginning of the year, but I let it slide once September hit). I started a 365 photo project but only made it to day 97. You can see it here. This year I am thinking about a Project 52. One photo a week. I think I might be able to swing that. Anyone want to join me?


I also spent more time reading my Bible and even visited a few Bible studies. I will be doing a study that begins in 2 weeks at my church. I also wanted to exercise more (according to this post). Well, I failed miserably at that! I went to exactly ONE Pilates class. However, I did diversify my blog posts to include more decorating and recipes which was a goal last year. And we did get back into our routine of having individual dates with the kids. In fact, Dave is at a hockey game with Harry right now and he took Will to Avatar last week. Next, he is taking Kate on a date:)


So, now it is time to reflect and think about some of the changes I want to make in my life this year. Please share with me in the comments any thing you plan to work on in 2010.
As I type this I am smelling the most delicious aroma from my stove....here is a recipe for the most delicious rice dish you will ever have. We are having it with tilapia...


Almond and Red Grape Pilaf
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons minced onion
2 cups chopped celery
1 cup raw long grain white rice
1 teaspoon of salt
1 and 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 and 1/2 tablespoons of chopped chervil (I use this if I have it)
1 and 1/2 tablespoons of chopped marjoram (we grow this in our yard-so easy)
fresh ground pepper
1 cup of toasted slivered almonds
1 and 1/2 cups seedless red grapes halved or quartered


Melt butter in large skillet (we use dairy free or organic ghee for Harry). Add onion, celery and rice. Cook 3-5 minutes or until rice becomes a pale wheat color. Add salt and chicken broth (we use organic, gluten-free). Cover and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove pan from heat. Stir in herbs. Season with pepper. Stir in almonds and grapes. Serve immediately.
From Stop and Smell the Rosemary (my favorite cookbook)