tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304954482024-03-07T12:36:18.233-06:00KirkyNewsJoin the Journey......Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.comBlogger474125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-35746736950167279582013-01-30T15:22:00.001-06:002013-01-30T15:29:19.839-06:00Urbana Video Recap - SwazilandSo this past year was almost entirely focused on Urbana for our family. Most notably, Matt traveled to New York and Swaziland to help produce the below videos. <br />
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Swaziland was the most intense project as Matt was gone almost two weeks and he and his team traveled all over the place not even sure if they'd get the story they came to get. The went to document World Vision care workers who have received medical kits from World Vision. These medical kits are fairly simple but extremely useful in places like rural Swaziland. One night at Urbana was completely devoted to building these medical kits (32,000 of them to be exact). The videos below were a part of that night.<br />
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The last one in particular is a favorite of mine. It's a testimony of one of the aid workers at Urbana. I actually had no idea she would be there and after hearing so much about Matt's trip and seeing so much work go into putting this night together, I was in tears when she walked out. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/56112963?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/56112963">Join In - Caregiver</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/ivcf2100">InterVarsity twentyonehundred</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/56112312?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/56112312">Join In - Spinach</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/ivcf2100">InterVarsity twentyonehundred</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/56111600?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/56111600">Join In - Banquet</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/ivcf2100">InterVarsity twentyonehundred</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/56556813?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/56556813">Shortie Khumalo</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/ivcf2100">InterVarsity twentyonehundred</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-48963140806000310322012-12-03T15:46:00.003-06:002012-12-03T15:46:42.787-06:00Life UpdateIt's about 25 days until Urbana (the triannual mission's conference InterVarsity holds), and for the first time, I'm not really all that stressed about it. And that's probably because for the first time in 12 years, I'm not going. So strange.<br />
<br />
We finally made the decision about a month ago that I would stay behind with the little one. Between Matt's late nights, hectic day schedules, and confining a 6 month old to a hotel for 7 days, it just seemed like it would be less stressful for everyone involved if I stayed back.<br />
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I'm both happy and sad about that decision. Sad because Urbana is always so cool. And watching the live stream online just isn't the same. Sad because I'll miss seeing all the video's Matt's been working so hard on unveiled before a huge audience. Sad because I'll miss seeing a bunch of close friends. And sad because Urbana always provides a needed spiritual kick in the pants.<br />
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But in many other ways I'm happy. Happy not to have all the stress of preparing for and executing a major conference. Happy that my introverted self doesn't need to be around 16,000 people for 7 days. Happy that I get to spend New Years and Christmas with friends back in Madison.<br />
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So it's a mixed bag.<br />
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All that said, we're in crunch time and Matt and his team are working hard to finish up all their projects in the next three weeks. In some ways since so much attention is focused on that right now, Christmas still seems pretty distant. We did however manage to get the Christmas tree up and other various decorations. And we did our first round of Christmas shopping last weekend. <br />
<br />
So Christmas and Urbana. That's pretty much the state of our life right now!Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-32677780568799834412012-11-28T15:31:00.002-06:002012-11-28T15:31:37.573-06:00Need a new Book to read...Any recommendations?Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-37681679355296124492012-11-12T20:08:00.003-06:002012-11-12T20:11:43.525-06:00Popcorn Stitch Hat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBQQ3xi8q8_L7F2GOMeci0z2G_zUMaWfctMaCh5k3S0YNFgJnamz0svw2cimZd4wNx0ZYA0fXlAtjI_R9Yc-1x7xtn6UMDmDanjxtw-kiJNXceksjXg6nOnp4PXZakXp6QA/s1600/2012.11.11_Matt+Kirk_0051_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBQQ3xi8q8_L7F2GOMeci0z2G_zUMaWfctMaCh5k3S0YNFgJnamz0svw2cimZd4wNx0ZYA0fXlAtjI_R9Yc-1x7xtn6UMDmDanjxtw-kiJNXceksjXg6nOnp4PXZakXp6QA/s320/2012.11.11_Matt+Kirk_0051_small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvluRv8qWSMQ15iZDtOJ5596_0-nwdxNLomemlErVKW6-Amm1up5c02ajjXCyelL8W7_6vaGX2-qLUwAjdsz3DlxWkEgAFqAKip_QZj8Ot33ti-Lw0ibCyMRa7D1yOSSSsQ/s1600/2012.11.11_Matt+Kirk_0057_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvluRv8qWSMQ15iZDtOJ5596_0-nwdxNLomemlErVKW6-Amm1up5c02ajjXCyelL8W7_6vaGX2-qLUwAjdsz3DlxWkEgAFqAKip_QZj8Ot33ti-Lw0ibCyMRa7D1yOSSSsQ/s320/2012.11.11_Matt+Kirk_0057_small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
I've taken a small break from quilting to work on a crochet hat for the kiddo. I've found that crocheting is a lot easier to manage with an active 4 month old. I can do a few stitches and then put it down whereas sewing takes a lot more to pull everything out, get everything situation, and then start.<br />
<br />
I'm actually not much of a crocheter. I know two stitches...and I used them both on this hat.<br />
<br />
I also ended up making the hat a bit to big. But I figure that's better than too small. At the rate our daughter's growing, she'll fit into it in no time at all.Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-35509489892096757212012-11-10T21:30:00.000-06:002012-11-10T21:30:08.159-06:00Quilt Binding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.heatherbaileydesign.com/HB_QuiltBinding.pdf" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXO-j8EP-gKJ01Z-dPjbCfxfr1OoG7SCXph7IIlm5ZVpv8AYshqPzVgPe5YCAluJGAqC_AoxLoPK_vfIb9J0HW3YCaY61_dWVY4VRwqvFBiI-5ZfRu9onL3yIBZTYi0Y6vPQ/s320/binding.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
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A friend recently asked me about how to best bind a quilt to finish it off. I couldn't remember if I had posted a link to these directions or not, but decided it was worth re-posting. <a href="http://www.heatherbaileydesign.com/HB_QuiltBinding.pdf">http://www.heatherbaileydesign.com/HB_QuiltBinding.pdf</a><br />
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I'm always constantly amazed at how the binding can make or break a quilt. I've noticed this especially at the Quilt Expo. There can be the most beautiful quilt on display with perfect patchwork. But if the binding is somehow off, the whole quilt looks a bit funny. It's amazing how such a small thing can make or break the quilt.<br />
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I guess if the quilt is not hanging on the wall, it doesn't matter as much if the binding is straight or not. But I think it's worth it to try and get the binding right. All that being said, I'm still trying to get the hang of continuous binding. Good think I still have some quilt projects lined up.Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-31066279251272586402012-10-22T10:20:00.000-05:002012-11-12T20:11:53.737-06:00Back to Work I GoAfter being on maternity leave for about 4 months, I am finally returning to work. As this day has drawn closer I've been viewing it as both bitter and sweet.<br />
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Bitter in that it means more transition in our life. Transition always seems to bring out some level of angst as I face the unknown and discover expectations I didn't know existed. So I'm not looking forward to that especially since I feel like I just got a handle on Emma's daily routine. <br />
<br />
But the return to work also seems sweet. I'll be starting a new job with InterVarsity and working 10 hours from home. I'll be working with the communication's team and working website analytics (watching website trends and using that data to help serve our web users better) as well as various special projects. It's exciting because it's a new role within InterVarsity and I'll get to help shape this job and it is flexible enough I can work from home. And I feel very fortunate for that. And what's even more sweet about this job is that it actually is work I enjoy doing. Bonus.<br />
<br />
So here starts a new stage of my life...working mom. Luckily millions of moms seem to make it work. So I'm pretty confident I'll be able to make it work. Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-44679211557155913722012-09-25T12:25:00.000-05:002012-11-10T21:21:32.891-06:00Chile Colorado Burritos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XGnt0-QTvcaPwn7_cb_h81bPMgLvADBeS96yM7kQWE5lVsl5buqmt2y7_ajUPWJPZubbP4iD2iGxHhuBxieClvIVWk3VQcsK9zAnF47Y6dzRuvhVTp7dAFWweaVjWkzthLgyzA/s1600/chili+colorado+burrito+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XGnt0-QTvcaPwn7_cb_h81bPMgLvADBeS96yM7kQWE5lVsl5buqmt2y7_ajUPWJPZubbP4iD2iGxHhuBxieClvIVWk3VQcsK9zAnF47Y6dzRuvhVTp7dAFWweaVjWkzthLgyzA/s320/chili+colorado+burrito+close.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
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Favorite new dish :) And it's soooo easy! Thanks <a href="http://food-pusher.blogspot.com/2010/08/chile-colorado-burritos.html" target="_blank">Food Pusher</a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Chile Colorado Burritos</span><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">ngredients:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">1 1/2 to 2 pounds stew meat or other beef cubed (top sirloin is great)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">1 <i><b>large</b></i> can mild enchilada sauce* (at least 19 oz.)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">2 beef bouillon cubes</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">1/2 can refried beans (optional)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">5-7 burrito size flour tortillas</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">1 cup or so of shredded cheddar cheese</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Directions:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Put beef, bouillon, and enchilada sauce into a crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">**</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">,
or until meat is very tender. (Can also cook on high for maybe 3-4
hours.) I've also cooked it in a dutch oven for about 4 hours at 325
degrees. More meat, more time. A third option is to cook it in a large
heavy saucepan--bring it to a boil on high heat, reduce heat to low,
cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender. If
you go with a method other than the crock pot, make sure the pot is
covered and pretty well sealed to minimize evaporation of the liquid.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">When
beef is done (very tender and flakes off when stirred), taste and add
more salt, if desired. Heat up refried beans in the microwave (covered
and in a microwave-proof dish, of course)and put your oven on broil. On
an oven-proof plate, or cookie sheet even, lay out a tortilla. Place on
tortilla about 1/2 cup of the meat, drained by using a slotted spoon,
and a spoonful or two of beans. Roll into a burrito (hopefully you know
how to roll these). Pour some of the remaining enchilada sauce from the
crock pot over the burrito to cover it. Sprinkle with some cheddar
cheese. Broil until cheese is bubbly, about 2-4 minutes.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Serve.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Makes 5-7 burritos, depending on how full you make them.</span>Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-86776903984071807302012-09-17T20:10:00.000-05:002012-11-12T20:12:22.386-06:00The Unknown LoveA friend of mine was over a few weeks ago to see Emma. As she held Emma, she commented how amazing it is to think about everyone who is holding and loving Emma now. And if you think about it, Emma will probably never know a majority of the people who have held/loved her these past few months.<br />
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It got me thinking about all the people my parents talked about who held me when I was a baby. A lot of those people I have only ever known by reputation and old photos. But it's kind of cool to think about how much I was loved...and I didn't even really know it.<br />
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And the same for my daughter. How she is so loved by people who she will probably never know. And that's pretty cool.Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-38147242008295822842012-09-13T13:06:00.000-05:002012-11-12T20:12:06.008-06:00I Side WithSo I've always been a fan of quizzes you can take that tell you all about yourself. It's fun to see how right or wrong they are. Anyways...a friend passed this along on facebook and I found it quite fascinating (<a href="http://www.isidewith.com/presidential-election-quiz?from=89996234" target="_blank">I Side With</a>). It's a <a href="http://www.isidewith.com/presidential-election-quiz?from=89996234" target="_blank">quiz</a> that attempts to show you which of the various Presidential candidates you are most aligned to based on their political positions. I most appreciated the "choose another stance" option because "yes" and "no" didn't always fit my thinking.<br />
<br />
Anyways...I was surprised to find out that I'm most aligned to the Green Party. And my response to that was sadly..."Wait, what?...there's a Green Party?" I didn't even know one existed.<br />
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Now I'm not about to run out and join the Green Party, but it made me realize I may not be as aligned to the political party of choice as I think I am. And that's probably good for me to know.<br />
<br />
<br />Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-70979645620332654792012-09-11T15:08:00.000-05:002012-11-12T20:12:32.053-06:00Beloit College MindsetIs it just me...or does this list keep getting scarier? Or maybe I'm just getting older. These are my favorites from this <a href="http://www.beloit.edu/mindset/2016/" target="_blank">year's list</a>:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li> The Biblical sources of terms such as “Forbidden Fruit,” “The writing on
the wall,” “Good Samaritan,” and “The Promised Land” are unknown to
most of them.</li>
<li> They have never seen an airplane “ticket.”</li>
<li> A significant percentage of them will enter college already displaying some hearing loss.</li>
<li> Outdated icons with images of floppy discs for “save,” a telephone for
“phone,” and a snail mail envelope for “mail” have oddly decorated their
tablets and smart phone screens.</li>
</ol>
If anything this list is a great insight into the college student we serve,http://www.beloit.edu/mindset/2016/ Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-39862296244448986182012-09-06T14:55:00.000-05:002012-11-12T20:13:09.761-06:00Summer Babies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPY6zVLnnppWhqqhJR97jm_PzjBSLCN6gl4PXnkievFG3h2FxsJla5K0cDZT7yQTHcm1gkxnI8SQ38OC6Dz1WN6qgFs6kXu3lWy4KVX0wa3QMueWDHU4sTgWRri57jfUcng/s1600/2012.08.19_Matt+Kirk_0003_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPY6zVLnnppWhqqhJR97jm_PzjBSLCN6gl4PXnkievFG3h2FxsJla5K0cDZT7yQTHcm1gkxnI8SQ38OC6Dz1WN6qgFs6kXu3lWy4KVX0wa3QMueWDHU4sTgWRri57jfUcng/s320/2012.08.19_Matt+Kirk_0003_small.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<br />
Had a crazy explosion of squash this year.<br />
Luckily I found a squash recipe my husband will eat:<br />
<br />
<b>Spicy Zucchini Casserole</b><br />
<i></i><br />
1-2 medium zucchini or summer squash cut into cubes<br />
1 lb of spicy Italian sausage (I used sweet)<br />
1 package of Spanish rice<br />
2 small sweet or hot peppers<br />
1 bell pepper<br />
2-3 tomatoes cubed/sliced <br />
1 large onion<br />
1 can of Hunts Meatloaf tomato sauce<br />
1/4 lb of Pepper Jack cheese (I used mozzarella)<br />
<br />
Cut zucchini/squash in cubes. Cook Spanish rice according to package. At the same time
brown Italian sausage. Add to sausage: chopped peppers, rice, onion and tomatoes. Add to squash cubes. Mix well. Preheat oven to 350.
Spread tomato sauce on top.
Top with shredded cheese. Bake at 350 for 45 min. Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-43181425154111832202012-09-04T14:07:00.000-05:002012-11-12T20:13:21.182-06:00NaamanA few weeks ago at church, the sermon started out looking at the life of Naaman. It's been a really long time since I've heard Naaman's story and I forgot how great it is. Where else in the Bible do you have someone "arriving in style" at a prophet's house (according to the NIV)?<br />
<br />
The basic gist of the story is that Naaman is from a different country than Israel and gets sick. He is told he should go see Elisha to get healed and so he goes to Israel and takes with him a bunch of money to both impress Elisha and to compensate Elisha for the healing. When he gets there Elisha doesn't even come out to see Naaman and instead sends his servant out with the instructions on how to be healed. Naaman get's furious and storms off. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings+5&version=NIV" target="_blank">And I'll let you look up the story to see how it ends.</a><br />
<br />
But what stood out to me was how Naaman ignored the instructions and almost missed being healed all because he dismissed the messenger. It made me wonder how often I do the same. It's sad to say, but I probably dismiss what might be words from God based on the appearance, social standing, age, or status of a person more often than I should.<br />
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I shouldn't be surprised by that. Biblically, it's often the unexpected people who God chooses to use. And while I've been taught that and clearly see that in the Bible, it's sad that I often don't apply that to my own life. I guess it's good reason to pause the next time I feel ruffled by Godly advice and ask the question and I'm ruffled because of the message or the messenger? Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-74792544901886257652012-08-30T12:28:00.000-05:002012-11-12T20:13:28.062-06:00Favorite Baby Items So FarThere are so many baby items out there, one of the things I wondered about pre-baby was which of all those items would I really end up appreciating the most. So far, these have been my favorite items (and favorite because they've been a life-saver for our cranky baby and tired parents).<br />
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<a href="http://www.mobywrap.com/images/Product/icon/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.mobywrap.com/images/Product/icon/13.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mobywrap.com/" target="_blank">Moby Wrap</a>: I feared this would be to complicated to figure out how to use, but it was actually pretty simple once I got the hang of it. Our kiddo fusses a bit when first going in, but once I start walking she usually calms right down.<br />
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<img border="0" height="140" src="http://www.newborngifts.com.au/images/lrg_miracle_blanket.jpg" width="200" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.miracleblanket.com/" target="_blank">Miracle Blanket</a>: So this might just be because our kiddo is long, but this has worked way better than the swaddling blankets. It fits her better and she doesn't break out of it quite so easily.<br />
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<a href="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/kindle/tequila/dp/KT-slate-main-lg-hp._V148625831_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/kindle/tequila/dp/KT-slate-main-lg-hp._V148625831_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The Kindle: I love how I can hold it with one hand and turn pages with that same hand while holding or rocking a baby. Amazing!!! I'm surprised they haven't done an ad campaign based on that yet.Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-86463517538146351852012-08-28T11:33:00.000-05:002012-11-12T20:13:28.063-06:00Not Quite a Spitting Image....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmfepKtIvWJc5wxuN276bG0aaCuzk0xfwVXr5SPg663BNEi2QntIsXF5k_MmmJD0fqK-zu3LjErYXC2J9z5TFU9H8fymrHaFCKeX5u8Q0V8b3PtdexJDbLMP_asqsEQYzGA/s1600/2012.08.11_Matt+Kirk_0198_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmfepKtIvWJc5wxuN276bG0aaCuzk0xfwVXr5SPg663BNEi2QntIsXF5k_MmmJD0fqK-zu3LjErYXC2J9z5TFU9H8fymrHaFCKeX5u8Q0V8b3PtdexJDbLMP_asqsEQYzGA/s320/2012.08.11_Matt+Kirk_0198_small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLt_6R0NGhVqXxRr4vWbP1sW-Hcf9muSK8r-VPVGPxMNmch67rv2YjUjTUAynfc1EJNG4eB8Gtcj1oLUcWJJCUBDi2YdhWUvYdks_HsiGBOkTCO9yDwrF2eGbp-rEUuonUA/s1600/2012.08.11_Matt+Kirk_0196_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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But sometimes when I look at my child, I see this....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCLzzcDMhA3BlbgEj8t7GAKGUsk5FFBeKJv5TrBRiG7RBleT4fHyaemQlR9i1m5QwSlt0cSb3D6Gbhwfdx5z3XaU4rG0Q_6wJHx9_JIGYNmZ8PZOSwgbRm_u88z3FxiLfTA/s1600/Troll-Doll-troll-dolls-1353646-302-450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCLzzcDMhA3BlbgEj8t7GAKGUsk5FFBeKJv5TrBRiG7RBleT4fHyaemQlR9i1m5QwSlt0cSb3D6Gbhwfdx5z3XaU4rG0Q_6wJHx9_JIGYNmZ8PZOSwgbRm_u88z3FxiLfTA/s1600/Troll-Doll-troll-dolls-1353646-302-450.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure if this is due to the resurgence of 80's fashion or if I'm reverting to some of my childhood loves. If anything, I sure hope that my kiddo has more of the good luck side of this troll than the troll side.Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-65532086370322424212012-08-23T09:19:00.000-05:002012-11-12T20:13:38.221-06:00Female Fight Club: Why We Should Put Down Our GlovesGreat article over at <a href="http://www.intervarsity.org/gfm/well/" target="_blank"><i>The Well</i></a>. And has challenged me to think about the groups of people/women I tend not to hang out with. (It's also written by a former roommate of mine). <a href="http://www.intervarsity.org/gfm/well/resource/female-fight-club" target="_blank">http://www.intervarsity.org/gfm/well/resource/female-fight-club</a>Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-82289665096200461392012-08-21T09:18:00.000-05:002012-11-12T20:13:09.763-06:00Garden Exploded<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsM8FmpMRUKqSkgJimAOOodSuCx5S0zzDGPrjop7JP1TBNKXvQ_MmQNQYHEEVH_HYhilJ0rLTfV7zkTXTPmwt-IRZOyeNpRYxyFobE-SLfLO3ogmkQMugnv-tvsD2x5uYxCg/s1600/2012.08.11_Matt+Kirk_0007_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsM8FmpMRUKqSkgJimAOOodSuCx5S0zzDGPrjop7JP1TBNKXvQ_MmQNQYHEEVH_HYhilJ0rLTfV7zkTXTPmwt-IRZOyeNpRYxyFobE-SLfLO3ogmkQMugnv-tvsD2x5uYxCg/s320/2012.08.11_Matt+Kirk_0007_small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This year I tried to cut back on my garden by spacing plants out a bit more than normal. I planted 4 tomato plants instead of 6, two zucchini plants instead of 3, two cucumber vines, and a bunch of corn. I also tried to plant things that would take less maintenance since I wasn't sure how often I'd be able to get out with a newborn.<br />
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I don't know if it was the extra room I gave the plants in the garden, or if it was the crazy heat we had this summer, or if I just lucked out this year, but all my plants ended up looking massive and very healthy. Ironically sometimes I think that the less I do out in the garden, the better my plants look.<br />
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My other theory is that I was about 2-3 weeks late in getting the seeds planted. That coupled with an early spring I think made me miss the first round of bugs. However this year I have had more problems with rabbits and squirrels. <br />
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Anyhow, I finally took Emma out to the garden with me the other day and it went better than I expected. She slept the whole time.Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-40114584338699883382012-08-18T09:15:00.000-05:002012-11-12T20:13:52.171-06:00What I Wish I Would Have Known about C-SectionsI have to admit that I was a bit unprepared to have a c-section. Our pregnancy had been such a normal one that I just assumed the birth would be to. We had decided that we were not opposed to a C-section if it was medically necessary. But again, since we didn't really anticipate having one, I never did much research about them. But even if I had, I'm not sure I would have found out about some of these side effects of c-sections.<br />
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Here's what I wish I would have known prior to the c-section: <br />
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1. No Driving<br />
I had heard that you couldn't lift anything for 4-6 weeks after having a c-section (and believe me I don't think I could have if I tried), but I don't think anyone ever mentioned that you really can't drive for 4-6 weeks after a c-section. I'm not sure which is worse...not being able to lift anything or not being able to drive. I guess the reasoning is that you use stomach muscles for breaking and it's hard to turn to look over your shoulder. I was a bit unprepared for that one. The only benefits of not driving has been 1) it's forced me to rest and 2) I spend a lot less money when I don't go out of the house.<br />
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2. It Hurts to Laugh and Sneeze<br />
I don't think I ever realized how many simple movements such as laughing and sneezing are tied to your stomach/ab muscles. Wow. It's also equally amazing how well holding a pillow held to your stomach helps with that pain. <br />
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3. The Shakes<br />
I think this is common with any surgery...but after the c-section was over and I was in recovery I got really bad shakes. It was the weirdest/freakest feeling ever. You can't feel anything in your lower body and then you're completely out of control of the upper half of you body as it is shaking. Was not expecting that one either.<br />
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4. Loss of Nerves<br />
I'm not sure why I was surprised by this (given this was major surgery and the incision is a deep incision that cuts through a bunch of nerves), but I still don't have complete feeling around the incision line. I hear that for most people the feeling comes back after a while. So we'll see. But for now, there's a good 6 inches where I don't feel much. <br />
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So there you have it. Things I wish I would have known about 3 months ago.Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-63452507259255893032012-07-19T13:14:00.004-05:002012-11-12T20:13:52.172-06:00Introducing...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJw2btWFiJAerA9AJIXZsPVgwEb2y-wM6ncpPyw5ZMDVXbJbQo24zOPM9e5BsjkpbMdG8F3AUBaIQcePvgIpGmr4Pa0HshK_ny8hebgt7qGqRmzgvQqI7BlbSJiHLv6ZgNA/s1600/Emma+Grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJw2btWFiJAerA9AJIXZsPVgwEb2y-wM6ncpPyw5ZMDVXbJbQo24zOPM9e5BsjkpbMdG8F3AUBaIQcePvgIpGmr4Pa0HshK_ny8hebgt7qGqRmzgvQqI7BlbSJiHLv6ZgNA/s320/Emma+Grace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So I'm a bit behind on this update (sorry to everyone who already knows about this via facebook or my husband), but on July 8th our daughter Emma Grace finally made it into this world.:)<br />
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She was 8 pounds 3 ounces, 21 inches long and is pretty darn cute (yes, I am biased). <br />
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And now I get to transition into a life of diaper changing, feedings and little sleep. Bring it on.Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-2918439925079049652012-07-03T14:15:00.001-05:002012-11-12T20:13:52.169-06:00Still WaitingJune 29th has come and gone and we're still in waiting mode for baby Kirk to show up. Everything is still looking good according to the doctor so there's been no concerns about going past the due date. He did schedule an induction for July 8th however (just to have something scheduled in case she doesn't come in the next few days.)<br />
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I'm still hoping that she'll show up before the 8th, but on the flip side, it's nice to have an end date in sight.<br />
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So in the words of a childhood song that I absolutely hated while growing up but have now ironically been singing often to myself,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Be patient, be patient, don't be in such a hurry<br />When you get impatient, you only start to worry<br />Remember, remember, that God is patient too<br />And think of all the times when others had to wait for you"</blockquote>Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-23771879959180250212012-06-27T14:54:00.000-05:002012-06-27T14:54:00.613-05:00Recent Thought Provoking ReadsI've come across several articles lately that still have me thinking...you know it's a good article when several day's later you're still thinking about it and have to go back to read it over again. <br />
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- <a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/june/short-term-missions.html" target="_blank">Should Churches Abandon Travel-Intensive Short Term Missions in Favor of Local Projects</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/june/when-are-we-going-to-grow-up.html" target="_blank">When Are We Going to Grow Up? The Juvenilization of American Christianity</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/07/why-women-still-can-8217-t-have-it-all/9020/" target="_blank">Why Women Still Can't Have It All</a><br />
- <a href="http://insidedateline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/20/12319475-learn-more-about-americas-suburban-poor?lite" target="_blank">Lost in Suburbia: Increasing Suburban Poor</a>Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-75823321109942505662012-06-25T09:33:00.000-05:002012-06-25T14:55:57.340-05:00New York Video Shoot<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/40969938" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
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Just in case you didn't see it yet, here's one of Matt's newer videos. I think it's one of my favorites so far. It's a video promotional for InterVarsity's Urban Projects and it highlights in part the kinds of people that college students might interact with while participating on the project. This was filmed in New York.Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-77042454398898638302012-06-22T14:58:00.000-05:002012-06-22T14:58:00.053-05:00Adventures in Gardening - HeatUnlike the past three years of gardening, this year has been really hot and dry. Normally I don't have to go out and water very much (maybe once a week or every other week). But this year it has felt like I've been out every 3 or 4 days. <br /><br />Yesterday in particular as I was giving the garden a good soak I found myself praying for rain and realizing once again how dependent we are on God. With all our technology, weather information, and specialized garden gear, we still can't control the weather. I guess that's probably a good thing.<br />
<br />I was also reminded of a verse in Amos which says "I sent rain on one town, but withheld it from another. One field had rain; another had none and dried up." I don't think I ever understood that verse before moving to the Midwest. <br /><br />Case in point, about 4 to 6 weeks ago we did get a strong rain storm. I was driving back from a doctor's appointment and was stopped at a stop light. There was no rain falling where I was stopped, but not more than 10 feet in front of me was a line of heavily falling rain. Rain really can just fall on one "field" and not one less than a mile or half a mile away. <br /><br />Now, we're still probably getting more rain than California...but it sure would be nice not to have to water so often. And it would have been nice for my spinach and bok choi not to have bolted and gone to seed so soon. But I'm probably just being selfish. <br /><br />The only plus side of this heat so far is that the tomatoes are loving it. They are looking quite happy. And I'm hoping they stay that way.Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-31002924070067671642012-06-20T14:48:00.000-05:002012-06-20T14:48:02.304-05:00SalvadorBack in college, I was introduced to some worship music by <a href="http://www.myspace.com/salvadorofficial" target="_blank">Salvador</a> (specifically, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/salvadorofficial/music/songs/montana-live-version-28069812" target="_blank">Montana</a>). I remember how foreign it felt to sing in a different language initially...even a language like Spanish which was not necessarily uncommon in Southern California. <br />
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However, I think I enjoyed it more than even I realized back then. The other day I found some of Salvador's music on my computer and I instantly realized how much I have missed singing in Spanish (that doesn't happen much in the Midwest). It was like their music awakened a part of my soul which I had forgotten about. <br /><br />I know there are a lot of different opinions out there about whether or not churches should introduce worship songs in different languages. And for those churches/ministries who do, it's not an easy road. But personally, I think worshiping in other languages has given me a fuller vision of what heaven will be like - with millions of people glorifying/praising God in their own tongues.And sometimes, it's just fun! :)<br />
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And if anything it makes me miss California and it's Spanish influence.Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-59361646452078644072012-05-18T21:21:00.002-05:002012-05-18T21:21:48.280-05:00For the first time in six years....our dinner was interrupted by a police helicopter circling the shopping center near us. I had almost forgotten how that was a weekly occurrence back in California. Strange.Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30495448.post-14195525145257947062012-05-15T20:55:00.001-05:002012-06-25T14:55:57.338-05:00FLUX 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://store.intervarsity.org/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/f/l/flux2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://store.intervarsity.org/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/f/l/flux2012.jpg" /></a></div>
Every three years I've gotten the chance to oversee and edit a small publication called FLUX, which deals with topics of transitioning from college to life after college. This issue in particular was a fun collaboration between the graphic's department and our resident photographer (who happens to be my husband). I really enjoyed not using as many stock images..of course it helped that we had some great content/articles to work from.<br />
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The final product is pretty cool...but if you want a taste of the articles that were included in this issue, you can find them online (just click the categories and look for the 2012 articles): <a href="http://www.intervarsity.org/alumni/life-after-college" target="_blank">http://www.intervarsity.org/alumni/life-after-college </a><br />
<br />Matt and Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701968540815724563noreply@blogger.com1