Merry Christmas from The Taylor's!

It is officially Christmas here on Dew Mist Dr.!!

The gifts are wrapped and under the tree, the children are filled with anticipation, and we are looking forward to being intentional in showing our love to others!

2009 has been a wonderful year for our family!

We are no longer a family with little kids...we are full swing into raising two teenagers, and one who is still somewhat little in our eyes!

Ashley turned 16 this year, and is looking forward to getting her drivers license in January. She is a sophomore at Nampa High School, and is one smart cookie! Just a few weeks ago, we watched her preform in her Theater Showcase, and were blown away at her ability! That girl can act! She spends much time reading, talking to friends, and thinking about where and what she is going to do with her life!

Alex turned 13 this year, and is on a quest to play/try every sport there is, before he graduates High School. He is a brilliant 7th grader at Lone Star Middle, and played tennis last spring, and football and wrestling this year! He was named the school's Ping Pong Champion a couple of months ago. Just a week ago, he and two other boys entered the school's Talent Show. Their talent....drinking a Strange Concoction (eggs, ketchup, salsa and pickles)! Yep, that's Alex!!

Nichole turned 9 this year, and is busy being a little girl! She started going to Nampa Classical Academy this fall, and is loving school! When she isn't at school, she is here, playing school! She managed to go all this year, without breaking any bones! She has been quite proud of herself. :)

In May, Duane sold his landscaping business, retired for two months, and became an owner of another business in Boise. He has been very busy this year! Retirment was not his "cup of tea"!

My life, this year, has been filled with all the usual things that come with being a mom, and in addition to that, I have been persuing my dream to become a Doula. I shadowed a Doula Mentor for several months, and then went on my own in August. Hopefully in a few months, I will have completed my certification process. I love what I am doing, and find it very fulfilling!

Our family enjoyed a trip to Seattle and the Oregon Coast this year, and have played a lot together! We are watching the years race by, and we are so aware that we must live in the moments we have!

God has blessed us abundantly with Family, Friends, Salvation, Health & Provision. It is with hearts full of gratitude, we praise Him!

God is in us, God is for us, God is with us....Emmanuel!

May you find your hearts and home full of Peace, Love and Joy in 2010!

Duane, Sheila, Ashley, Alex and Nichole

Christmas

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Both, in this house. We enjoy Hot Cocoa with the kids around a family game, but I love Egg Nog too!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? He wraps them...sometimes at the last minute. This year, he is already getting them done as he goes!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White...all the way!!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? We have three children born about 9 months after Christmas...we will leave it at that!

5. When do you put your decorations up? Right after Thanksgiving.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Christmas Eve was always the long awaited-for night!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Very early!

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes, at my mom's. We open our immediate family gifts on Christmas Morning.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Red Berries and White Snowflakes...with all the family ornaments mixed in.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? LOVE THE SNOW!! Until January, that is, then I want it gone!

12. Can you ice skate? Yes, but do I like to...no! The desire to use my feet year-round, far outweighs the desire to destroy them while ice-skating.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Yes...Hot Sticks Curlers!

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Being with my family, and making memories with our children!

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Almond Toffee or Pecan Pie, and a cup of coffee!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Pizza at Mom's (by candlelight)

17. What tops your tree? a White Metal Star

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? I LOVE to give gifts...but it is fun to get something from someone too!

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? O Holy Night

20. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Yum...in my Hot Cocoa!

21 Favorite Christmas Show? It's A Wonderful Life!

Catching Up

Since it has been a month since I have updated my blog, I want to begin by saying "thank you" to those who keep reading!

We are right in the middle of my favorite season of the entire year. I love everything about Autumn, and have been enjoying as much of it as possible! We are keeping busy right along with everyone else, and attempting to take time for what is most important!
I have been in somewhat of a "blog-funk". I open it up to write and draw a blank. It is not because there is nothing going on...but I think my energy has been so wrapped up in busy-ness, that by the time I need to put my life into words, I don't have anything left to say.
I have been assured that this is normal...part of the ebb and flow of life.

So without further adieu...I give you (in no particular order) "Currently Sheila" in pictures and a few words....

The item in my house that makes me smile everytime I see it: My soft basket from IKEA. It has found a home on my bedside table, holding my books. I think it is beautiful!

Who can't live without me these days: Tucker. He whines if I am not holding him! I am not a dog person, but he is a Sheila dog, and I can't do a thing about it!!



The best deal I have found since sliced bread: Sliced Bread! This is a very inexpensive new bread at Walmart ($1.00). And it makes the WORLD'S BEST TOAST!

Current Chocolate Craving: Arnott's from Australia. You can purchase these amazing little cookies at Cost Plus World Market. If you do, let me know, and I will teach you how to eat these with hot tea!

My favorite NEW thing: My brand new DEEP kitchen sink and fancy faucet!!! We are in love with them!! (I left a few dishes in there, just to prove that I don't have OCD issues)

The smartest thing I am doing these days: Washing my hands with this soap. So far, other than a sinus cold, I haven't been really sick! (knock on wood)

The website that I makes me go, "Ahhhh!": http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/

The best quote I have heard in awhile: (I don't know who Brielle is??)

The recipe I am pulling out of my recipe box most this month: Pumpkin Dessert. It is to die for!!


The best dish in my pantry: This gorgeous new baking dish. My sweet mother bought it for me on a whim one day. I LOVE THIS DISH...and my Mom!

What I am most excited about: Decorating for Christmas. I love dressing my house up for the Holidays!!

What inspires me to create beauty around my life: Beautiful Magazines!!!

Where I go to find help in time of need and encouragement for everyday: God's Word. I am digging deep into Daniel in Bible Study, but reading a Psalm every morning, is what keeps me in relationship with my loving, merciful Savior!


What I am putting off right now!: Cleaning my coat closet. I am going to have to, in order to get to the Christmas decor that is in the far recesses of this closet!!

What I am currently reading: The Doula Book (required) and Ruby Among Us (pleasure)

I have found that for which I have been searching!: A red plaid antique Thermos...in almost perfect condition!! I have wanted one of these for years!!! I found "him" at Saver's for $1.99!

The handiest thing in my house these days: My Fuzzy Wuzzy! You can find one at Ross for $2.99, and this little booger cleanes mini blinds like none other!! (It is time consuming, but so is washing the blinds with soap and water. It really works!!)


I hope that this little picture adventure has gotten all of my faithful readers up to date on me.

We are living life and loving where God has placed us!

Watch for more from me, later on this week! Who say's a house can't talk??

What Every Woman Should Know

I had the pleasure of spending this last weekend, with 10 of my most favorite women on this planet! We attended the Women of Faith Conference in Portland, and when the conference was over, we spent the rest of the weekend, shopping, dining, chatting and enjoying each others company.

On Sunday night, as we were eating pizza, laughing our heads off and talking, I asked a question. I told the gals that I wanted to blog about this question, and they all agreed to be contributors.

So without further ado, here is what Kristi, Anita, Talisha, Sue, Shae, Lois, Jolene, Renee, Julie, and Damaris had to say. Please understand that this is not in the catagory of "Life-Changing Information", but it might be a snippet of information that you hadn't heard or thought of before.

I asked the question, What do you think every woman should know, about anything?"

Anita: If you have a Ceramic Flat-top Stove, do not buy the expensive cleaner for it. Instead, sprinkle the mess with baking soda and use a light scratch pad.

Shae: I needed Toasted Sesame Seeds for a recipe, so I went and bought sesame seeds that I had to toast myself. I later found out that in the Oriental Section of the store, they have toasted sesame seeds for very cheap!!
(Damaris also added that in the Latin/Mexican Aisle of a grocery store, almost all spices are in bags and a fraction of the cost of bottles or jars of expensive spices.)

Julie: I go to Costco and purchase five of the Deli Roasted Chickens for 4.99 each. We de-bone them, and freeze the meat to use in casseroles or soups. This is quick and affordable!

Jolene: Use 1/2 c. of Downy Fabric Softener mixed with 3/4 c. of water to spray on your tile or linoleum floor in the bathroom. Let it sit for a moment (not to long; it will dry and harden), then clean floor as usual. This will cause the dried hairspray on the floor to come right up!!

Lois: If you have "ring around the tub" wipe the dry tub with Dove Body Wash....then wipe off and rinse.

Damaris: If you have a stain on white or light colored clothes, soak the item of clothing in soapy water, then lay it out in the sun. The stain will disappear!

Talisha: If you have a grease spot on clothes, sprinkle the spot with Baby Powder, let it sit and rewash. The stain will be gone!
Also, to cut hot fudgy brownies, use a plastic, disposable knife...the hot brownies don't stick to the knife!

Kristi: If you are going to freeze anything with red tomato sauce (soup, spaghetti sauce....) spray Pam Non-stick on the rubbermaid container before filling. The red sauce will not stain the plastic container.

Sue: If you have a "baked on mess" in a pan, fill the pan with hot water, and place a dryer sheet in the water. Soak for a couple of hours...then wipe the baked on food off, wash pan as usual.

Last but not least...

Renee: Always check your dryer for pets before closing the door!! (She has good reason to warn us). If you forget to check, be sure to clean your filter trap twice and clean dryer repeatedly!! That is all I am going to say about that!

Women of Faith

I am sitting in this lovely hotel room in Portland, Oregon, pondering the experience of attending my 12th consecutive Women of Faith Conference!
Some of the gals are in bed, some are chatting quietly, while others are reading, and one is even trying to stay caught up on her Bible Study (can anyone guess who?).

We arrived at the arena last night, just as they closed the doors, not allowing anyone else to enter. Unsure what was happening, we stood patiently waiting. After about an hour, we heard women lead out in prayer or burst out in song, as word spread that there was something happening inside that was not good. Thousands of women around us were immediately on their cellphones, texting or calling to see what was going on.

We were eventually told that there was a bomb threat; to move away from the building, and that the Friday night conference had been cancelled. We were parked in the parking garage located beside the arena, so we made our way back to our cars and came back to the hotel.
I felt disappointment at missing the Friday night event, but was grateful that everyone was safe.

After watching the news and hearing conflicting reports about what the "bomb", we arrived back to the conference by 7:00 AM this morning, and the rest of the day was a fabulous testament to how when the enemy attempts to steal and destroy, God shows up!!
I will have more to share later on...I have to rewrite my notes, so even I can understand them.

From My Kitchen

Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

3 c. flour
1 c. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg

2 eggs
1/2 cup applesauce (to replace the oil)
1 c. milk
1 c. pumpkin (canned)

Mix the dry ingredients together and set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, applesauce, milk and pumpkin. Add dry ingredients, and fold together just until moistened.
Fill muffin cups 3/4 full.

Topping:
6 Tbsp. chopped pecans
6 Tbsp. brown sugar
Mix together and sprinkle liberally over the top of the muffins.

Bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 min.
Yields: 2 dozen muffins.

Sit down and wrap your hands around a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea, and enjoy your muffins!

(recipe taken from Mennonite Recipes from the Shenandoah Valley, Phyllis Good and Kate Good, 1999)

September

To say that September was a busy month, would be an understatement to the 'inth degree! At the beginning of the month, I looked at my calendar, and wondered if I would survive? Here is a little peek at what keep me running all month!

• Ashley turned 16!
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• Nikki started the 3rd grade at her new school.
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• Alex turned 13!
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• We kicked off Women's Mentoring at Boise First.
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• We helped to host Total Money Makeover at Boise First.
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• Tuesday Morning Bible Study began.
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• We attended three different school's Open House.
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• Caravan's and Teen's Face2Face began.
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• Our Small Group started up again.
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• Alex played 5 Football games.
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• We hosted a big family birthday party.
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• Nikki turned 9!
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• I assisted in three labors/births, to make a grand total of 17!
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• I turned 37!!
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• Took the family to hear Matt Redmond and Casting Crowns in concert.

Other than the four birthday's we have in September, those are all the busy things we did, in the process of chores, jobs, homework, laundry, housework... life!

I am so glad it is October now! My calendar is much less chaotic this month...and other than a few important things (like a trip to Women of Faith in Portland), and some babies due to arrive, it is shaping up to be a quieter month.

I am ready for Fall now! The house is attired in her Autumn colors, the pumpkins are sitting by the front door, and the smells from the kitchen are scented nutmeg and cinnamon. I am in the mood to create warmth and make pies, apple butter and soup! I put away my Summer duds, and can't wait to take some of my birthday money and go buy a couple new sweaters. I want to grab my quilt, drink a cup of hot coffee, read or watch football! I love this season!

Blessings!

Sheila

Old & Previously Owned

While in Donnelly over the holiday weekend, I took Ashley shopping. She has devoloped a love for old things, and I can't imagine where she got that!?
While we never found the item on her shopping list....an Audrey Hepburn poster/picture...we did find some other fun stuff!
I have been searching for this print to put in Nichole's room, so was thrilled when I found it! Our little dog, Tucker, looks and acts just like this little dog.

Never too many baskets!! This one caught my eye, and begged to go home with me!

I was digging through an old cupboard in an antique store, full of Silverware, and came across these beautiful Salad Serving Pieces. I can't wait to serve a fresh tossed salad with them!

Baby #13

Tonight, I spent some time holding this sweet baby girl; talking to her as she gazed at me, so aware of her surroundings!
Two weeks ago, I had to pleasure of being at her birth, as the only attending Doula...and it was my first time doing so (without Kyndal, my Doula teacher). So, this birth will always be remembered as "Sheila Gone Solo"!
Thank you Chance and Heather for this opportunity! Mylee is a gift from God, and attending to you during your labor and her birth, was an honor for me!

Am I Climbing?

This postcard hangs on my refrigerator. I purchased it in Seattle at the this store!
It asks me a very important question each time I look at it, and that is why it is hanging where I see it many times a day!
You see, I am a not a mountain climber by nature...literally and figuratively. I don't long to tie up my boots, strap a heavy pack to my back, and hit the trail. No, I am the "stay in camp" gal. You looking for someone to have a steaming pot of stew cooking over the fire for when you return from a long day of hiking....I am the one for you!!
I like smooth trails...literally and figuratively. I like a smooth life too. It seems easier and more predictable that way. Nothing out of the ordinary catches me by surprise...I've got it all under control...at least I like to tell myself that!
But guess what happens when life's trail gets bumpy, or a huge tree falls down right in my easy path? I whine, I weep, I grumble...literally!

As I go down the path of life, I find that as long as it is easy, I am fall into a comfortable, lethargic pattern of just barely living. The day in and day out of doing and doing and.....
It is when I am forced to strap on my pack and tie up my shoes for a hard climb, that I find that God has something planned for me, that I am going to need "the gear" for!

He has never promised that my trail is going to be smooth, but He has promised to fill me with His strength...and enough to get me to the top of the mountain! He has never said that there wouldn't ever be massive oaks of discouragement, illness, fatigue, pain, misunderstandings, unkindness....but He has on many occasions, picked me up, and carried me over what is obstructing my path.

In the past year, I have faced my own mountains. Some have been exciting, yet overwhelming in nature...some have been painful and frightening! I ask myself everyday if I am climbing them with the excitement of what lies ahead, or am I grumbling, because it is hard? Sometimes, that just depends on the day....but my prayer is always that I will find endurance to climb!

I don't want to be a whiny valley dweller, when I can climb to the top and watch eagles soar!
So excuse me while I go find my hiking boots.....I've got a mountain to climb!

Baby # 11

Thank You, Joe and Tara for the honor of being there for Grant's arrival! He is such a gift from God, and my experience as one of your Doulas, was very rewarding!

Giving a Legacy

Duane's grandparents, Leroy and Helen Seward, just celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. We honored them with a family celebration last Friday evening.
We are deeply grateful for the legacy of commitment and love that they are intentionally giving us...their grandchildren.
In a society where "sticking with it" is rare, it is refreshing to find two people who have weathered life for 60 years...and still love to laugh together and be with each other.
May that be said of Duane and I in 42 years!

The Story Behind the Name

Welcome to my new blog, dear faithful. readers! It is with warm regard that I return to blogging; I have missed you! That may seem foreign to some of you, and yet others simply understand the need to write. So once again, thank you for missing me...the feeling is mutual!

Early this Summer, I began to feel a strong desire to change the name of my blog (I like change, just ask those close to me how often I move my furninture!) I was coming upon my second year of blogging, and when I began this journey, the name, Facing Grace, appropriatly described where I was in life. But a lot has changed in two years.I like to think that is a very good thing!

I look at this blog as an extention of myself...my ministry; my testimony to how God works in my life. I began to ask God to help me come up with a new name and to mold me even more into a vessel that He can use.
I began searching the internet, blogs, websites, for ideas for a new name. I poured over books, magazines, cookbooks. I read poetry...scripture...road signs...nothing clicked. I even sat with my feet crossed, eyes closed and hummed deeply....nothing! (ok, that's a joke)
The creative side of me felt very defeated. I knew what I wanted my new blog to be about, but coming up with a name was not happening!

Then came the day! It happened when I least expected it. I was sitting off to the side of the room, listening to my Friend (and Doula Teacher), Kyndal, share with a room full of expectant couples, about the process of birth. She was explaining the them about the pain of labor...and she said, "You have to just be there and surrender to what is going on".
I immediately thought, "Well, my goodness, that is so close to what all of life is about! And that is precisely where I am in my life!" I have to constantly surrender to what I am dealing with or going through. So on the way home from Childbirth class, I let that thought take up residence in my head. I began to wonder and ponder how I could incorporate that word into the name of my blog. It didn't come to me immediately, but one afternoon in my kitchen, I was listening to a CD and the song, "I Surrender All" started playing. As I was singing along, I came to the part in the first verse that says, "....I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence DAILY live...." and I stopped dead in my tracks!

The following is what rambled through my newly renovated thought closet, "Daily live....that means that EVERYDAY I wake up and choose to SURRENDER to Him and His plans for me. EVERYDAY He gives me new mercies...and what does He give me those new mercies for EVERY MORNING? For the day ahead. For the things that I am going to go through and deal with. He wants me to JUST BE THERE and SURRENDER to what He is going to bring me EVERYDAY. He is going to chart my course; the best path for me, and He is going to BE THERE WITH ME and I am so alright with that!!"

I sat down at my table and wrote the name, "Everyday Surrender" on a yellow legal pad. That was it, it clicked!

So, it is with great excitement about my journey, that I begin blogging again. God is up to some big things in our family's life!
In addition to the normalcy of life, our kids are getting older by the minute and starting school for another year...Duane is busy with work and ministry for guys in our church....I am knee deep in training and reading for my Doula certification, attending births, Women's Mentoring Ministry Startup....life is busy. But we are finding delight in His ways! He is abundant in His mercies and His love never fails!

Welcome back!!

P.S. I am adding more to the side of my blog for recipes, favorite websites...