Be Still and Know

Psalm 46:10 ~ Be still, and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

For the past couple of weeks, I've been pondering what it means to be still, and know that I am God.  I am a person who is constantly busy with things, but I am also a person who in the midst of busyness needs my personal time away from the chaos of everyday life.  This verse has caused me literally to take time and be still (or rest) in order to listen to what the Lord is trying to teach me.  But more importantly, it has also caused me to reflect on and trust in His promises and praise Him for His faithfulness in everything that happens - both the good and the bad - as we are called to trust in the Lord and His will and purposes in our everyday lives.  What I've come to realize is that no matter what the circumstance or season, whether we are in a dry desert or on the highest mountaintop, we are called to be still and know that He is God.  By truly living out this verse and trusting the Lord with all things in our lives, we glorify Him .  As John Piper would say, "God is most glorified in us, when are most satisfied in Him."  Are you satisfied and filled by His promises and faithfulness today, or are you finding satisfaction in other earthly things?

Parenting...

Matt and I had the opportunity to be "parents" last Thursday through Monday to Marley (age 10), Carter (age 14), and Ivy, a sweet golden retriever.  The kids are always a lot of fun to be with and very active.  I've known this family for a few years now, and in the past we've housesat and dogsat for them while they've been away on vacation.  But this time around, we had the opportunity to see what being a parent entails - everything from getting up at 5:45 a.m., to making meals, getting the kids on the bus, making sure homework was finished, walking the dog, running the kids to soccer, tennis, and basketball practices and games, and other social activites.  Did I mention keeping the teenager out of trouble and away from girls too?  :)  Growing up, I missed most of my sister's teenage years since I was at college.  Wow, have the times changed since we were teens.  Now they have access to so much technology - cell phones, Facebook, etc.  And teenage girls these days are out of control. 

I make it sound like a lot of work (which it was), but it was a lot of fun too!  Needless to say, we were exhausted by the end of the long weekend!  We enjoying hanging out with the kids, but it made us realize a couple of things.  1.  As much as we love kids, we're not ready to start a family for many years.  Plus we have a lot to accomplish before we're ready to "settle down" and welcome the parenting phase of our marriage.  2.  Our parents did a lot for us growing up, way more than we probably even realize.  Thank you to our parents for your hard work and patience in raising us rebellious kids, for running us around to practices, games, other activities, and allowing us to have social lives, and for loving us unconditionally!  We owe you guys so much!

Also, Matt and I have been reading more lately, and yesterday I read this in my book,  "Do you find yourself being more like a mother or a wife?"  You could insert the word mother with any role in your life that comes to mind.  In marriage, our first and foremost responsibility is to be a wife to our husband.  This was a good reminder to me that of all my roles, my role as wife and helper to my husband should be the highest priority.  I would encourage the rest of you to ask the same question, "Do you find yourself being more like a mother or a wife?"

From The Kramer Kitchen

Here's what's been cooking in the Kramer Kitchen during the summer months.  Despite being busy, I make it a priority to make a homemade meal every night.  Matt has nothing to complain about.  Well, I suppose there are some exceptions - he is still learning to like his vegetables (tomatoes and broccoli are still a work in progress with him), but at least he has decided he loves spinach.  :)  I love adding spinach to dishes or using it to make a salad with fruit (strawberries, mandarins, or cranberries), nuts (walnuts or almonds), blue or gorgonzala cheese, and a light italian vinegrette. Veggie and chicken/steak kabobs have been a favorite this summer too.  For those of you wondering, Matt does still get his servings of bacon. We usually have brunch on Sundays, and it's pretty common for us to have a small glass of wine with dinner.  My newest thing now:  making homemade bread!    

Homemade calzones



Pasta with Marinated Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella & Basil



Baked Chicken Chimichangas.  Sour Cream is a weakness of ours!

Linguine with Asparagus and Pine Nuts. 

Sunday Brunch - Quiche

Ravioli with Spinach & Bacon



Rigatoni with Chicken Sausage & Broccoli

Unexpected Blessings

Exactly one year ago from yesterday, Matt asked me to marry him.  It only took him 6 years to ask, but either way we have been incredibly blessed by the Lord and by one another throughout the years.  I look forward to spending the next 60+ years at his side (Lord willing).  He is the best husband I could have ever imagined or dreamed of and although Matt has his quirks, life is always entertaining and interesting.  At times, when we are sitting at home, I have flashbacks to the elementary-aged Matt - the boy I would see driving his lawnmower in circles around his front yard to make a putting green or the boy who burned down a few acres burning garbage in 6th grade before the fire department got there - and think, who would have ever thought that that boy would be my husband?  I sure didn't back then, but I'm certainly glad he is now!

To celebrate our engagement "anniversary," we went to Cap's Grille in Minneapolis.  It is a quaint, little restaurant and is known for being the best BBQ in the Twin Cities (think Luke's Diner from Gilmore Girls minus the stools/counter).  I always get the "Stacker", basically a pulled pork sandwich, and Matt decided to try the ribs this time; both were delicious.  If you haven't been there, you need to go!  Then we took a stroll around Minnehaha Falls before heading home and winding down to The Office Season 6 in preparation for the start of Season 7 on Thursday!  Yes, you can say we are a little obsessed with this show.  :) 

Walking around Minnehaha Falls

Cap's Grille.  If you haven't been there yet, you need to go.

Matt ready for ribs!



The famous "Stacker."  Not to worry though, I didn't finish it. 



Back Where We Come From...

We went home last weekend to celebrate the Kaiser Grandparents' 50th Anniversary and Karissa's 19th birthday too.  Hard to believe my baby sister is 19 already!  We love our trips home.  Every time we go home, we find ourselves reminiscing along the way and missing it a little bit more each time; it's become harder to leave.  We love seeing our families/friends and the country.

Saturday morning, I had a cooking date with my Grandma Southworth.  We baked her famous cut-out sugar cookies using my favorite Halloween cookie cutters.  It has been a tradition to do this together since I was a little girl.  Unfortunately, while I was in college, she usually did all the work and sent me the tasty result.  But, I'm thankful that we have been able to cook together more.  After all, I credit most of my cooking and baking skills to Grandma.  I'm looking forward to next month's cooking date - homemade applesauce! 

I love Grandma!

Isabelle is pretty cute for a cat.

Papa & new barn kitty, Isabelle.

Saturday afternoon/evening was the Hawaiian-themed Anniversary celebration complete with lots of Kaisers and food.  It's amazing to go back to the beginning when it was just my Grandma and Papa.  Fast forward 50 years, and we have multiplied to about 50 family members total (with one more on the way in December)!  Wow - Way to go Grandma and Grandpa!  We are so thankful that Grandma has put up with Papa for so long!  If any of you know my Grandpa Norm, you will understand what I'm talking about.  :)

Kaisers know how to party!

The Golden Couple!

Lovebirds - Papa's look is priceless!

Kiss her Papa!

The Kaiser family.  Matt thinks we look like a football team on the sideline.

The 4 oldest girl cousins.

They still dance even after all these years.

He's thrilled to be wearing a lei and having his picture taken.

Devin showing us how to Hula.

Saturday night, I got together with two of my good friends from home.  It was so good to see Theresa and Clare and catch up on life.  We missed Katie though!  I'm so thankful that we have stayed in touch over the years, and we pick right back up where we left off.   I can't wait to see them all in October!

Love these girls!

Yay for friends and all the trouble we caused when we were younger! 



Sunday consisted of church, naptime, and the Packer game.  The Green and Gold win was a good end to our weekend in Wisconsin.