She's a biker!

I've got some catching up to do... so I think I am going to make Fridays "catch up day" on the blog. Every Friday I will post something from the past year that I neglected to blog about in a timely fashion. That should get me caught up.

One of Kaiya's big accomplishments from 2010 was learning how to ride her bike without training wheels. We're biased, of course, but not sure many 4 1/2 year olds can ride without training wheels. She's pretty awesome!

Tony started her on the side of the house in the grass...



















































Phew! She made it all the way around without falling -- on her first try!

Steak Kabobs = YUM

I wanted to post this recipe for marinating steak kabobs - it was so good. And it just took me about 2.39 hours to find the stinkin' recipe again on the Food Network website. I made this a few weeks ago and they were so great. Probably one of the best steak marinades I've tried. And the huge plus is that it is Healing Diet approved!

Dijon-Rosemary Steak:

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, stemmed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes

Whisk together all of the Dijon-rosemary steak ingredients (except the steak) in a bowl. Toss the steak in the mixture until evenly coated. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for 2 hours. (I marinated for 4+ hours.)

Here's where I promise to be a better blogger...

Seems we've been down this road before. I really want to get back to blogging. I promise to be a better blogger. My new year's resolution -- stop neglecting the blog. I admit -- there's been no follow through. Except for the book reviews. But what can I say -- I love to read and that's a way to read for free... well... besides the library. Let's be honest though -- that's never free because I always return late and rack up late fees. That might be the reason I haven't taken the kids to the library in awhile. 20 kids books + one week late = I don't even want to think about it. I can't take the librarian guilt.

You see... I've figured this all out. Now that I'm a stay at home mom I will have TONS of time to blog. ha ha! Cause stay at home moms just sit around and browse the internet while their kids are happily entertaining themselves, right? No? Oh well... then I guess I better not make any promises about being a better blogger. :)

For the sake of the third child, who probably won't have a scrapbook finished until she is 18 1/2 yrs old. Who may or may not have any pictures taken of her at all. For Kadence Quinn... I will be a better blogger.

Plus... Kaleb is pulling out some good stuff lately. Yesterday, for example, he told me to stop accusing him. All I told the kid was that we don't go outside in socks. These Kalebisms must be documented.

Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann

I was first introduced to Kristen Heitzmann's fiction 7 years ago when I began working in our church library. I am a huge fan of her writing style! I was so excited to be able to receive her latest book, Indivisble, for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for writing this review!

This book, set in present day, is a mystery - psychological thriller - love story - all wrapped up in one. The story begins with mutilated raccoons found in a small Colorado town. Determined that this is more than just innocent fun, Jonah Westfall, chief of police, begins an investigation hoping to prevent something more serious from happening to his community. Along the way, we meet Tia, who has a past very connected to the police chief. As the animal mutilation begins to increase, Tia and Jonah's paths intersect once again and the story unfolds.

One of my favorite things about this book is the author's ability to develop the main characters as well as the supporting cast of characters. She was able to weave several stories within the main plot. Heitzmann creates real characters, with real life struggles and as the reader, I appreciate the tangibility of her writing. Another thing I love about this book is that it grabbed my attention right away. With all of the things in life vying for my attention - when I sit down and read a book, I want it to be enjoyable and entertaining. Indivisible was just that! It's a story with many layers and I promise you will love it!