PhotoJulia

Corbin and the walker

The 5 Love Languages

The New Year is all about making new resolutions. Mine is to make sure my priorities are in order. One thing I’ve learned is that it’s always a good idea to evaluate the past year and then see what changes need to be made so that your life continues to run on the right path. Sometimes you need to let things go so that you can enjoy something new.

I’m still working on my list, but it goes something like this.

1. God
2. Husband
3. Corbin
4. Family/Friends
5. Church/Service
6. Extracurricular activities (photography, computer, tv, creative things)

Going through my list in my mind and now on paper has made me realize that my marriage needs work. All marriages need work from time to time, even if you’ve only been married for 1 year or 50 years. My idea was to read “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman. I was surprised at how small the book was (74 pages) and excited because I never finish a book and I knew I could get through this one. It was an easy read, but challenging in many ways. The book is teaching you to find your love language as well as your spouse. The author asked the reader to venture out of your comfort zone and find out what makes your spouse happy…and do the things that speak to their language even if it does not come easy and comfortable to you.

Discovering the primary love language of your spouse is essential if you are to keep his/her emotional love tank full. But first, let’s make sure you know your own love language. Having heard the five love languages, some individuals will know instantaneously their own primary love language and that of their spouse. For others, it will not be that easy.

1. Words of Affirmation
2. Quality Time
3. Receiving Gifts
4. Acts of Service
5. Physical Touch

What is your primary love language? What makes you feel most loved by your spouse? What do you desire above all else?

I have suggested three ways to discover your own primary love language.

1. What does your spouse do or fail to do that hurts you most deeply? The opposite of what hurts you most is probably your love language.
2. What have you most often requested of your spouse? The thing you have most often requested is likely the thing that would make you feel most loved.
3. In what way do you regularly express love to your spouse? Your method of expressing love may be an indication that that would also make you feel loved.

My hope for 2009 is that I fall into a deeper love and appreciation for both my Lord and Savior as well as my husband.

December

Where did December go? I guess that’s what happens when you have so much going on…it passes by before you know it.

Corbin started off the month by celebrated his first birthday on December 2nd. He’s now crawling, cruising, babbling constantly, pointing at objects and starting to look and act more like a toddler every day.

We attended Luke’s company holiday party at the US Grant on December 6th. The best part was not having a curfew thanks to my parents who cared for Corbin overnight. Yippy!

Christmas Eve we gathered at my parents house for a feast. We talked, ate, played games and just enjoy the evening. This year was particularly fun because Corbin could chase my nieces around and as well as just being more involved in general. We also played Pirates Cove for the first time with my family. They were all good sports and by the end I think they all enjoyed themselves and wouldn’t mind playing again.

Christmas morning we had lunch and opened presents at my brothers house. Time with my family went by too fast especially because we had to leave by 2pm to make it to Luke’s parents by dinner time. Sometimes sharing holidays is tough, but thankfully this year we made it to Apple Valley in record time. We were actually early for a change.

The rest of the week was spent with Luke’s family in Hesperia/Apple Valley. We were really hoping for snow, but it all melted by the time we arrived. Oh well. Family was the real reason for our visit and the grandparents and all the family loved spending time with Corbin (and us) and he (and us) loved the attention. All I can saw it that Corbin is one loved kid. When we weren’t being entertained by Corbin, we played games like Pirates Cove, Settlers of Catan, Phase 10 and Train (Dominos) as well as catching up on old and new news. Overall it was a fun and relaxing time.

Once back in San Diego we ventured out to La Jolla Cove and the Wild Animal Park. What a way to end 2008!

A Change of Scenery

We are in the process of giving Photojulia a little face lift in the hope that the gallery will become more easily accessible to its viewers. Please bare with us while we make our adjustments. Thank you.

Spicy Sausage Soup with Cilantro

I found this recipe on a friends site and it’s outstanding. Yes, I did make it and loved it.

Spicy Sausage Soup with Cilantro

INGREDIENTS:
2 pounds hot Italian sausage links, casings removed, and sliced (turkey sausage worked great)
4 cloves garlic, minced (I added garlic powder)
2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth (I added a little more water to thin it a bit)
1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
1 (15.5 ounce) can white hominy (corn)
1 cup sliced carrots
1 onion, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can great Northern beans, undrained (or whatever bean you prefer)
2 small zucchini, cubed (I used 4 stalks celery)
2 cups chopped fresh cilantro (I used about 1 cup cilantro and 1 cup fresh basil)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:
1.In a large skillet over medium heat, combine Italian sausage, onion and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently until sausage is evenly browned. Drain cooked sausage in a strainer to remove grease.
2.In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, combine the beef broth, hominy, stewed tomatoes, carrots, beans, and zucchini. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and boil for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and add sausage and cilantro; simmer for 15 minutes, or until carrots and zucchini (or celery) are tender. Season with salt and pepper and top with shredded Parmesan cheese.