We are shoveling out –
We feared our deck would collapse. He work and worked to clean it off.
Now it’s time to warm up with some lasagna. I’m so glad we stayed inside today.
He’s a handyman!
When I married Rafa, I knew he was talented. I just didn’t know how talented! I always assumed that when someone had artistic skills, they probably didn’t have hardware-type skills. That was a wrong assumption.
Last weekend, my parents and future BIL came up to help us finish our wood floors. Rafa did great installing the dining room, living room and hallway with a little help from his friends, but he needed a little help getting started on the finishing touches.
Dad brought his tools and got him started.
By mid-afternoon, Rafa had all the steps covered and they are looking goo-ood! I’m so proud of my multi-talented man.
Car and submission
We’ve been so busy getting the Soriano house ready for the holidays that I haven’t even stopped to blog! I’ll update with a series of posts…
The first update…we sold the car. Goodbye, friend –
All it took was one showing. Rafa called me at work. “He has cash!” Sold. The car was gone before I even got home from work.
I thought it would be harder to let go of something (the car) that was a symbol and means to something I guarded so closely (freedom).
I am constantly amazed at how God fills me with peace. He’s opened me to a whole new kind of freedom – the kind that comes from submitting to a husband that is submitting to Him.
IN the end, it wasn’t hard to give up the car at all. I don’t need a car because I don’t need to run anymore. I remember when I started driving to school on my own, in my own car. I was only 15 with a school permit. Even though school was only a mile or so down the road, freedom tasted sweet. When I wanted to hide, I could always jump in my car, because it was the only place I could be alone.
But I don’t need a car to call “mine” anymore, because everything I have is Rafa’s and everything he has is mine.
Now, I’m not saying that if you have two cars, you’re not submitting to your husband or anything like that. What I am saying is that I realized I did not need a car. Our transportation to work does not require two vehicles. The car sat for weeks at a time.
It was only in our garage because of selfishness. I choose submission.
So very thankful
There aren’t enough words to say how thankful I am. Photos will have to do.
I am thankful for my husband (who doesn’t like pictures) for letting me cackle and cackle with my family until my throat hurt – and still loves me.
A friend who is feeling much better after a spinal cord injury that caused muscle spasms. He’s on a cocktail of steroids and painkillers.
A wonderful sister who brings sunshine to our house and even helps us paint.
A fantastic sister with the most adorable baby and another one on the way!
A brother who is growing up so fast, adding inches and maturity every time I see him.
The best dad (or bop-pa) and mom (or mmm-ma) a girl could ask for.
A healthy mother-in-law to share life with.
Amazing grandparents, extended family and a wonderful time in Iowa.
Watch out, Mom!
I have the biggest feeling of accomplishment right now. I made my mom’s famous chicken noodle soup, from scratch, all by myself.
This chicken noodle soup is like nothing you’ve ever tasted. It’s home. It will cure a cold and make anyone feel like they are the most loved person in the world. It brought me home from college. We served it at our wedding nearly a year ago and our friends are still talking about it. It’s amazing in every way.
Making this on my own is big…huge. I have proved myself as a Crabtree woman. I already started writing a letter to Grandma to tell her all about it. It’s times like this that I’m extra glad to have my sister here with me to validate my experiences. She helped me eyeball the amount of broth in the stockpot and tasted the noodles to make sure the were like mom’s. She was there to taste test after the noodles had been boiling for 20 minutes and confirmed that they weren’t quite done. Her smile as she took the first bites let me really know that I did it.
I started by making the dough for the noodles from scratch.
Then I worked to mix it all just right with the chicken I pulled off the bone.
Three hours later, we tasted it…success.
Wake up call
Rafa came across a funny verse today:
Proverbs 27:14
A loud and cheerful greeting early in the morning can be taken as a curse!
Rafa read the verse out loud to Hawk, hoping he will take the hint 😉
But seriously, I didn’t know that the way I wake Rafa up every morning is Biblical! I get up first and shower. Then, I sit on the edge of the bed, rub his back and speak to him gently. We both like this morning ritual. It’s even better now that I have scripture to back it up!
Our first snow
We woke up to a beautiful sight this morning – our first snow in our new home. This is the view from our window. Can you see the beautiful red berries peaking out from under the snow?
Unfortunately, our wake-up call came at 4 a.m. Our electricity went out and the power box emits a high-pitched squeal when the juice is suddenly cut. We took care of the noise and went back to our warm bed where we lounged until mid-morning.
Then, time for business. Rafa is very blessed to work with some incredibly generous people. We were given a snowblower. It was such an amazing gift for two non-native Minnesotans, new in our marriage and in our home, to receive.
Rafa put it to good use today. Behold, a photo of Rafa using a snowblower for the first time in his life:
And he’s still out there moving the white stuff as I sit inside blogging. Thanks, honey! 🙂
Small group time
We had a fantastic weekend with our small group brothers and sisters at our retreat. Along with seven other couples, we set time aside to learn and laugh together. It is so good to just be together – no rush, no distractions. Just time to enjoy the company of the friends we share life with.
The highlight of the weekend was hearing the testimony of others. I used to be almost ashamed of my story, but God really helped me put things in perspective through the word.
“Remember today what you have learned about the Lord through your experiences with him.” Deut. 11:2
“You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Gal. 3:4
Nothing that has happened or will happen in my life is insignificant. God uses all of it for ministry – both to make me more like Him and to uniquely use me to bring others to Him.
And then we played Rock Band. I love that game, way too much.
Seriously, I want to go out and buy a Wii right now just so I can play that game. It’s a good thing I don’t have access to one or I would never get anything done. And that just wouldn’t be a very good testimony at all!
Weekend in pictures
The weekend in pictures!
Here is the happy bride – she found her dress!
When I got home, we played with Hawk’s favorite toy, Octy.
Rafa carving a pumpkin for the first time ever!
Hawk posed in his Halloween costume next to the pumpkin.
We roasted the seeds while we gave out some candy.
Then the boys all cuddled on the couch.
It’s coming soon…
