The Juelfs' Family Zoo

We spent a nice brisk but comfortable evening trick or treating around the neighborhood. The kids had a great time! Wyatt was a tiger and Addie Grace used the Halloween staple monkey costume. Our two little animals were adorable. Wyatt finally worked up enough courage to say "trick or treat" after three years of Halloween and this year boldy declared his wish knowing what would come in return. Addie isn't walking yet, so I carried her! She sure liked shaking her pumpkin bucket. It was like she really knew that she was suppose to be getting something at each house because instead of saying trick or treat she just shook her bucket. They were pretty cute. And now, we are just dealing with the days of candy overload attitude!

Much to say about nothing...

I had a lucky occurence today. No children showed up for our afternoon Log Cabin session, so I was able to come home early. Unfortunately Addie naps late at the log cabin, so she woke up just as we were coming home, while Wyatt was ready to go down just as we were leaving the cabin. I escaped the full blown falling asleep in the car by Wyatt, however, he relaxes just enough for a three year old to catch up on their rest. So as is with most Wednesdays he is playing in the dark in his room rather than really sleeping. Addie stayed up a little while longer, and like a truly selfish mom, I put her down in her crib "not tired" in an effort for some alone time. So I have two children in lock down playing in what I believe to be mildly safe environments for unattended children, but these are my children so who knows.

On a similar note, we've halted sleeping Wyatt and Addie in the same room because Wyatt has a strong and as he'd put it loving desire to care for his sister...translation Wyatt climbing in the crib with his sister. We've had one good night for one bad night, but we are a little freaked out by the climbing in the crib thing so we've stopped all room sharing for the moment.

Pause...I had to sip my hot chocolate which is turning in to an afternoon ritual for me.

I've been pondering this new fascination of mine because I am not much of a chocolate lover nor hot beverage consumer when I am the one who has to prepare it. I have concluded two things...I recently have begun feeling much less nauseous which is earlier than all my other pregnancies. It came on strong, but has subsided sooner (16 weeks) Yippee! After visiting the doctor and seeing that apparently something is different because I've gained nine pounds in two months, I am becoming much more aware of my eating all day long tendencies. So I am considering making up a lame excuse for my daily hot chocolate consumption so that I'll feel better about the impending pounds! (This really is all in jest because I am fully aware the human inside me is gaining weight too...I have just always been so sick that I lose weight until sixteen weeks and only then start gaining). Since I dream of a day where I can frequent Starbucks or my local coffee spot for a sweetened beverage made just for yours truly and prepared just for me to my liking and not with my own two hands...do you feel the justification coming on here...I've discovered an alternative that fits a little more seemlessly with the poor seminarian budget and is probably less in calories too. And there it is...I came up with a mildly reasonable excuse and feel better about myself already.

Next baby issue...if you can truly believe it...I am considering not finding out what we are having. We have a few weeks until the unltrasound and I am thinking this may be our most perfect scenario for a surprise. We have one boy and one girl so we have got all the loot we'll need for either gender. My most compelling thoughts are that we'll be moving six weeks after the baby is born so this may be the only time that I really don't care one bit about what the baby's room looks like either! David thinks I am nuts and will cave in a heartbeat which is potentially true. I've made no commitments. Right now I am podering the idea that I will have the ultrasound tech right down what we are having and we'll seal it in an envelope only to be touched by David's hands since I will ultimately sneak! That way if we both decide to change our minds we don't have to convince the doctor to find a reason for another ultrasound! So any thoughts???? My only reasons for finding out are pretty lame...
1.I have a girls name and no boys name...so finding out would either force us to figure out a boys name or make me give up on my fantasy girls name forever.
2.I am a planner so I am sure their is something I need to plan for that is gender specific...announcements, etc.
3.Wyatt wants to know...I guess this is cute but he doesn't even know we have a choice:)

So, please someone tell me what they think. I can't promise you'll convince me either way!

Finally...Happy Birthday Hilary! I know I'm a loser and haven't called yet...I guess that is good since you have laringitis! I hope the big 30 is all it's cracked up to be! We'll talk soon.

A New Experience

In loving memory...Mickey the Cat!



Sorry for the fuzziness, but I couldn't resist these cuties!

While David was out of town this weekend, I joined a friend and her children for dinner and she gave me this bath seat that Addie is clearly enjoying! She thinks it's wonderful! She just loves watching her brother and splashing and playing with him. They are quite adorable!

Of course, I forgot the camera when we went to Eckart's Apple Farm. Who am I kidding though, it's not like I would have snapped any shots. Going solo with children was not the greatest idea:) Unless I grow a third arm, pictures on mommy outings are going to be quite rare. I already am attempting to figure the third arm out for when the baby comes. Perhaps I should be watching the Bionic Woman for tips.

On that note, I am not watching the Bionic Woman, but I have been enjoying the new episodes of Heroes, Friday Night Lights, the Office, and Brothers and Sisters. I haven't given up on Grey's but it has conflicted with the Office for two weeks now and the online viewer for ABC is awesome, so I've been saving Grey's for online viewing with the laptop...which may never actually be in my possession anytime soon. And for the Office fans...you know "sprinkles" the cat...my cat growing up was diabetic just like that and I am not kidding my parents had to do stuff like leave work early and not go on vacation b/c he needed insulin shots twice a day! I didn't stick him in the freezer, but he is now resting coldly in some vet's freezer! Well, by now he probably isn't but you get the point.

Recipes worth Trying!

Before you get the wrong idea, I'll preface these by stating they aren't my own original creations. I've gotten these recipes from several friends who have in turn found them in magazines or from other friends. A few are my own. They are worth trying and passing along. So here they are for those that have asked. Perhaps, I'll be making them with you guys soon, I hope!


Ever so yummy salads!

Minty Orzo Lentil Feta Salad

6 c. water
1 T. salt
1 ¼ c. orzo
6 T. olive oil
¾ c. brown lentils
¼ c. red wine vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ c. each fresh mint and dill, finely chopped
1 sm. red onion chopped
10 oz. feta cheese crumbled
¾ c. kalamata olives pitted and chopped
6 sprigs dill or mint for garnish


Bring water to boil with salt and orzo. Cook 5-8 minutes. Drain and Toss in 1 T. olive oil. Cover and cool completely. Cover lentils inn 2 inches of water and simmer uncovered 15-20 minutes. Drain.

Wisk remaining 5 T. olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Add lentils, mint, dill, onion, feta, olives, and dressing to orzo. Stir and garnish. Serve at room temperature. Tastes great cold too.


Bulgar & lentil salad w/chickpeas
(completely healthy for you!)

1 C beluga (black) lentils, rinsed & picked over (now available at Trader Joes)
1 bay leaf
salt

3 C warm water
1 C bulgar wheat
3 medium shallots (can substitute red onion if necessary)
1/4 C red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 T fresh lemon juice
1/2 C extra virgin olive oil
3 T walnut oil (I never have this on hand)
freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 C cooked chickpeas or 1 can, rinsed (I always use the can)
1 C finely chopped parsley
3 T finely chopped tarragon
1/2 c walnut halves, toasted & chopped (I use pecans)

1. In saucepan cover lentils w/ water, add bay leaf & 1/2 t salt, bring to a boil, reduce heat & simmer 20 mins.

2. In medium bowl pour warm water over bulgar & let soak until tender, about 30 mins., drain & squeeze dry.

3. In a small bowl combine shallots w/ vinegar, add garlic, whisk in lemon juice & oil, season w/pepper.

4. Combine lentils, bulgar, chick peas, parsley & tarragon, add dressing, stir gently & thoroughly.

5. Serve warm or at room temp w/nuts.

Can be made ahead (add nuts right before serving). Great with crumbled feta & chopped tomatoes on top.

Side Dishes:

Homemade Baked Beans
INGREDIENTS:
• 3 cups of dried white navy beans, soaked and simmered until tender, following package directions
• 1 1/2 c ketchup
• 1 1/2 c water
• 1/4 c molasses
• 1 large onion chopped
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 6 slices of uncooked salt pork or bacon, diced
• 1 c brown sugar
PREPARATION:
Place all ingredients in slow cooker; cover and cook for 8 to 10 hours on low. Stir a few times, if possible.


Main Courses:

Chicken Chili

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 medium diced onions
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 (15.8 oz.) cans Great Northern Beans (white kidney beans)
2 (15.8 oz.) cans Garbanzo Beans
2 (15.8 oz.) cans corn
2 (4.5 oz.) cans diced green chiles
2 cubes chicken bullion
8 oz. pepper jack cheese, cubed

DO NOT DRAIN LIQUID FROM CANNED GOODS. POOR ENTIRE CAN WITH LIQUID INTO CROCKPOT.

Sauté cubed chicken and onion with ground cumin until cooked. Put remaining ingredients in crock-pot along with chicken mixture. Heat on high 1 ½ - 2 hours (until cheese melts) and continue on low for 6 hours. Serve warm. Top with extra cheese, sour cream, green onion, cilantro, or any other favorite topping. Serves six people.



Chicken Francesca

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1cup milk
1cup bread crumbs
3/4cup grated parmesan
2tbs. parsley flakes
1cup olive oil
1cup chicken broth
1cup white wine
1/3cup lemon juice
Sliced lemons

Remove tenderloin from chicken breast and divide remaining breast in half. Complete on all four breasts. Pound meat with a meat tenderizer and let soak in milk for 5 minutes. Mix next three dry ingredients together. Heat oil in a large skillet. Dredge chicken in dry mixture and brown each side of the chicken in oil. Lay browned pieces in a 9 by 13 dish. When finished reserve about two tablespoons of oil in skillet and add broth. Simmer until reduced in half. Then, add wine and simmer until reduced in half. Finally, add lemon juice and remove from heat. Place sliced lemons on chicken in baking dish. Then poor all of the liquid from your skillet over chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Serve over pasta. Serves 4-6 people.

Boeuf Bourguignon

1 T olive oil
8 oz diced bacon
2 1/2 lbs stew meat, cubed
salt & pepper
1 lb carrots, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 onions, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 c brandy or cognac (optional)
1 bottle (750 ml) of red wine--or less and replace with beef broth
1 can of beef broth--or more to replace red wine
1 t fresh thyme or 1/4 t dried thyme
1 T tomato paste
4 T butter, divided
3 T flour
1 lb frozen pearl onions
1 lb sliced mushrooms


Preheat oven to 250.

Cook the bacon in the oil over medium heat in a dutch oven until lightly browned. Remove to a plate.

Salt and pepper meat. Then, sear the meat in remaining oils. Remove to plate with bacon.

Saute 1 T salt, 2 t pepper, carrots and onion for 10 min over med heat in remaining oils. Add garlic and saute one more min.

Now here's the part I change. She says to put 1/2 c brandy in and stand back and light a match to burn off the alcohol. Instead, I use 1/4 c and I turn up the heat to high for a few minutes, stirring often.

Return the bacon and meat to the pot. Add the wine, broth, thyme, and tomato paste (the liquids should nearly cover the meat.)

Cover and put in oven for 1 1/4 hours.

Remove from oven. Mash 2 T butter with flour and add to stew. Add pearl onions. Simmer over low heat. Meanwhile, saute mushrooms in remaining 2 T of butter for about 10 min. Then add to stew. Heat to desired warmth.


Desserts:

Rum Cake
1 pkg. yellow butter cake mix
1 small box vanilla instant pudding
1/2 cup light rum
4 eggs - beat one at a time
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup cold water

Beat well (all ingredients) together and put into
lightly greased Bundt pan or angel pan. Bake at 350
degrees for 45 minutes. Cool 15 minutes, remove from
pan. Invert cake and prick top and sides all over.
Drizzle & brush on glaze over top and sides. (I
usually put the glaze on while the cake is still in
the pan.)

Glaze: 1 stick butter (or margarine)
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup rum
Boil 5 minutes then drizzle and brush on glaze over a
warm cake.

Longing for the Kingdom

It has been so long since I've written anything! As I look back on this summer, it is not for lack of things happenning, but somehow I haven't really had the words to share what I've been thinking about.

We have had a long summer adjusting to our new little corner in Gulf Dr. All of our little buddies that we played with for two years moved away, so that has been a bit change for little Wyatt but also for me. All of our new neighbors are working most of the day, so there has been a little whole in my life where my former friendships have sort of changed. I love keeping up with people on the phone, but it just isn't the same as seeing someone almost everyday.

We went to California in June and when we returned our sweet friends' daughter returned to the hospital with an infection following her fourth round of chemo. What started as days, turned into weeks, and somehow slowly yet quickly (if that can even make sense) weeks turned into months that this precious baby was in the hospital fighting for her life. Just yesterday she went home from the hospital. Our friends brought home a baby that in many ways is nothing like the one they went to the hospital with months ago. Her infection caused serious damage to her brain and now they will begin the waiting game of seeing how rehab will help her. So much is unknown. It is hard to not, for the sake of avoiding what could be little improvement, cling to the stories people tell about miraculous brain recovery and babies that can relearn almost anything. But I have really been struck that while that is more optomistic, it may not necessarily be what our Lord has planned. We all know he can and does have the means to change any situation, so all of me prays toward that end, but part of me doesn't quite know how to process that he may not change this situation and that our friends' suffering will somehow bring glory to Him. I look every day at my daughter who is days younger than their baby and wonder why she has been granted a life that so far has been spared from this awful suffering and she is growing and learning new things every day, things that our friends' daughter may never do. I sat with my friend both of us in tears as we talked about her suffering and our joy and just what are we supposed to do with that? I don't want to convey doubt that our great and faithful God surely has a plan that is far greater than what I can concieve, but there must be room in this life to be honest and face the facts that we aren't experiencing life the way it is supposed to be! Another friend of ours spoke at a funeral once and talked about this very subject of pain and suffering and really helped me process some of these feelings that I am facing today. If only I would remember his words every day. So often the Christian response in death and suffering is to tritely "rejoice" in God's plan that our loved ones are with Him or someday will be free of suffering and with Him. Don't here me saying that this day won't be glorious, but that does little for those here on earth experiencing the loss and pain. I am reminded that pain, loss, suffering and simply stated all of the bad stuff that we experience here on earth is a product of the fall and is not the way things should be! It is okay to be real and hate how one feels in these circumstances because we should be longing for something better. Sin has left us hurting and longing for more...our hope is for Christ's return and the coming of His kingdom that will restore all things and make them truly better than we can ever imagine. So please pray with me and others that this sweet baby will be spared any more suffering and that she will be healed but that our friends will also be able to experience some sense of the peace of God in their lives regardless of what the outcome will be.


Another note on suffering...please note I am using this word in the most mildest of ways...this is what I hate about someone else reading what you write as opposed to listening to what you are saying. So often the tone is lost. I suppose if I was a better writer it wouldn't be, but I am not. We are excited to share we are pregnant again, but yet again deep in the trenches of throwup!!! I naively think that with each pregnancy maybe my body will respond differently, but to no avail, I always end up puking and often. I am taking medication which seems to ever so slightly help. So rejoice with us for this new life and pray for a short period of sickness. As endearing as it is, I long for a morning where sweet little Wyatt doesn't wake up saying, "Mommy, you feeling so better??? a lot????"


On a final note, David is off to his last year at Covenant. We are so excited that he is almost finished with this program. He really has gained so much from the experience here. Please pray for us as we are considering where exactly God is calling us and what He is calling us to.

God Bless.

Photo Weirdness!

I don't know what's up with the pictures...I always center but today I switched it up. Never again!!

What we've been up to...

Not much really besides our daily trip for free ice cream in the blazing heat! Maggie Moo's gives free ice cream for 98 minutes when the temp reaches 98 degrees. Needless to say we've had a lot of ice cream this week. The kids continue to enjoy each other a bunch, scratch that, Addie continues to adore her brother, while Wyatt spends a lot of time playing in his room hiding from the destroyer of all train tracks and towers! He sure loves her though. We have taken a few trips around St. Louis enjoying the free stuff too! We really enjoyed our picknick lunch at the botanical gardens. We're off to CA in one week. See you all then!

Problem Solved

At least I have figured one thing out today! I have changed the color scheme once again today in my efforts to bring back my hyperlinks that disappeared for a day. Apparently they needed a rest. I can relate.

Today a good friend of mine watched Wyatt ( no strings attached ) for the morning so I was able to go finish my Target shopping with minimal fits this time around! Yippee. I had a great time. Thanks Courtney!

Summer Slowdown

Addie with Nana, David's grandmother.
DISNEYLAND



Addie and my Aunt Janet.




Watching the really fast train!


Addie enjoys a snooze on "It's a small world."


Wyatt and my cousin's daughter, Jenna, enjoy a nice sunset together.


Addie sits up on the plane by herself!

Well I must apologize for the complet lag in blogging. I feel like I have nothing important to say...I don't know why. We have many things going on and Wyatt and Addie are constantly doing new things, but I just can't seem to make the time to write them down. I know that is a really lazy thing to say to all of you who use this blog for family updates.

I feel that I am in a rut or something, so this is my slow attempt to reenter the blogging world. I haven't said anything of substance or importance, but I did add some pictures so enjoy! Perhaps I will feel more inspired later in the week.

Until then, enjoy the dog days of summer!

Is this for Real?

Your Personality is Somewhat Common (ESFJ)

Your personality type is generous, accepting, humble, and considerate. About 11% of all people have your personality, including 15% of all women and 7% of all men You are Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

So, a friend of mine had this personality test link on her blog. She said it gave her the exact Meyers Briggs indication in twelve questions. If you have ever taken the Meyers Briggs (which takes hours) you'd realize how great a twelve question test really is. So, I thought I would see what it predicted for me. This test gave me the exact same results too! So, Dr. Douglas, why didn't you tell us we could actually get our Meyers Briggs results in five minutes or less? Click the link and take the test for yourself!

The Last Hoorah!

Today was our final day of train riding with Jack and Jeb and Will. Hilary and I took the boys to the zoo to ride the train and they loved it. We rode on Gordon and had a fun time with the kids. We leave for Ohio tomorrow and they leave for Colorado where they will make their new home on Tuesday. We delivered presents for the car ride tonight and Wyatt stood very quietly. I think he knows they are moving and understands, but they aren't really gone yet so it is hard to comprehend. Mommy, on the other hand, was hiding her tears tonight. I don't even want to think about it! I can't imagine our Gulf Drive life without the Mathews. So long for now, we'll be back in the blogging world in a few weeks after travels.

Two Down, One to Go!!!!

David just completed his second year of seminary! It is so hard to believe that we are almost done, yet very exciting too! This is such a joyous time of year as all of the seminary wives breathe a sigh of relief that our husbands and daddys are home a little more often, but for us it is also very sad! Our dear friends are graduating and moving on. We are so happy to see where God is calling each and every graduate but it is always a bit sad to say goodbye. Poor little Wyatt has no idea what is about to come! Jack and Jeb are moving in about ten days. His whole little world is going to change in an instant. We have already begun talking about a road trip in the fall. Wyatt may miss his buddies, but his mommy and daddy are just as sad! Michael and Hilary are such dear friends and we can't even imagine life at Gulf Drive without them. We have been so blessed by God to have fostered such a wonderful friendship!

We look forward to a bit of a more relaxing summer. David is working a lot and also taking summer school, but he feels like it will be very manageable and is really looking forward to his class!

Praise God for his provision in our lives too! We have been blessed by several different supporters and are going to get a minivan to accomodate our growing family! I am thrilled to say the least. We have shared the Saturn for seven years now except for a brief stint where we had a second vehicle for under a year. We've been patient and tried to be good stewards with the resources we've had. The Saturn has been a great car, but I am beyond excited to get my own vehicle!!!!! We'll show you some pics when we pick it up this weekend!
God Bless in the coming summer months. We hope they will be refreshing for you all too.

Addie and Amelia

The Girls of Gulf Drive

We had a wonderful dinner with our friends, Jen and Steve and their daughter Amelia, last night. Addie and Amelia our only days apart and are six months old now! It's hard to believe the time has gone by so fast and so much has happened. The girls had fun ooing and ahhing at each other and we had a great time catching up with Jen and Steve. They will be moving in August or September to Nashville, TN. We'll miss them. Addie is already sad!

Solo Zoo Trip

David is busy working on the last few tests that he needs to complete for the spring semester, so I decided to brave the zoo all by myself with the two kids. We met a great friend (our former next door neighbor) who recently moved a few miles away. Wyatt doesn't get to see Taylor as often as he used to so we had a great visit at the zoo. We all rode the train, James of course, and even Addie loved the gentle breeze! In the first picture you can see Wyatt already has an arranged marriage! What more could parents want then to marry their children off to their trusted friends offspring! In the second picture you can even see the budding interest of little Addie on the train ride!

Drinking Fountain

Who ever knew the DHL truck delivered fresh spring water from the bathtub in the form of a drinking fountain?

The Bible Once Again from a Two Year Old

The other night I was reading about Mary and Joseph and the birth of baby Jesus. When we got to the page with the illustration of Jesus lying in the manger...Wyatt said, "Look, Mommy, Jesus is in the french fries!"

Addie's Six Month Birthday

This weekend Addie turned six months old and to celebrate, she got sick and decided that she needed some extra TLC in the middle of the night. So I was up with her about every hour and a half. Although she had a rough weekend, she has been showing her age in many ways. She now rolls around the house, smiles endlessly, and is sleeping between 10 and 12 hours a night without waking (when she is healthy of course!) She loves her solid food too. She is such a little peanut and quite dainty! She loves her brother and despite the many bites, hugs, and overall roughness he exudes she always seems to light up when he is around! Happy six months, Addie!

Brother and Sister