Top songs of 2009

Laurie rockin' out
Laurie Rockin' Out | Photo by Jonathan Blundell

I used to think I listened to a broad range of music — but after working up a list of my favorite songs from 2009, either my preferred listening tastes are getting more defined — or perhaps 2009 just wasn’t a great year for new music. (Feel free to offer up your own theories.)

Ten spots filled by six different artists. It’s not as diverse as some, but it’s my list and what I’ve been enjoying this year.

Honorable mention:
Knights Of Cydonia – Muse :: this track came out in 2006, but I didn’t find it (or them really) until I saw them open for U2 in Houston. My Muse station has now become one of my favorite stations on Pandora and this track quickly became one of my favorite tracks. See the video on Hulu.
Continue reading Top songs of 2009

Laundry Love 2009 re-cap

Laundry Love Red Oak

In 2009 we kicked off our Laundry Love effort in May.

It’s been an amazing eight months and every month we walk away with another great memory and story and several new friends.

If nothing else, I love how Laundry Love helps make friends out of strangers.

On average we help 15-20 individuals and families each month, spending anywhere from $60 – $120 a month.

We’ve stuffed over 2500 quarters into laundry machines, helping over 120 individuals and families.

I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone who’s supported our efforts along the way. Looking forward to even more fun in 2010.

And if you’d like to get involved, we’d love to have you come join us the last Saturday of every month, or you can donate online as well.

Thanks again!

What project did you start in 2009 that you’ll continue on with in 2010?

Weekly Meal Menu

Ingredients needed

We’re trying a new practice around Casa de Blundell. Trying to get back to planning ahead more and cooking more at home. I’ve volunteered to do the planning and cooking. So here’s the first week. (Probably a little different schedule than normal due to continued holiday/birthday events.)
Ultimately my goal is to try and reduce all the different things we buy – and have enough left overs for lunches the next day.

Sunday Lunch:
Spaghetti
Rolls/bread
Sunday Dinner:
Sandwiches/Cereal (can you guess who’ll be eating what?)
Monday Dinner
Southwestern Turkey Chili
Tuesday Dinner
Rosemary Scented Grilled Chicken
Salad
Wednesday Lunch
Chicken salad (using leftovers from the night before)
Wednesday Dinner
Out to Eat/TSO Concert
Thursday Dinner
Chicken & Chipotle Soup
Friday Dinner
Birthday Parties
Saturday Dinner
Small group

So what do you think? What does your menu look like for next week? Got any pointers for future menus? Especially for a family of 2?

Oh and for the record, while this wasn’t built using the site, HEB has one of the best weekly meal planners — EVER. Granted much of it is based around their products (including several partially prepared meats/meals) but its a great resource even if you’re not near an HEB.

Emmanuel. God with us.

Away in a manger

On this Christmas we remember….

Light came into the world and said,

“I will crush your darkness.”

Justice came into the world and said,

“I will proclaim your freedom.”

Peace came into the world and said,

“I will turn your conflict.”

The Word came into the world and said,

“I will call your name.”

Love came into the world and said,

“I will share your life, always.”

Amen

(ht again to Stewart Culter for “cultivating” this great message)

Green Church

Looking for some good light reading over the holidays?

Check out Greenchurch.info.

The most life-changing ministry we can humanly provide a group of overlooked friends is a simple Body of Christ, a Church, planted among them, to be His Hands, His Heart, His Voice, His Compassion in their circle of relationships.

Goosebumps and Justice (advent reflections)

If you haven’t had a chance to – I’d highly recommend taking 40 min and listening to our advent reflections from the podcast last week.

Perhaps pull it up on your computer/Hi-Fi/iPods and listen as a family around the fire tonight or tomorrow evening.

Enjoy the thoughts, reflections and music and remember what this season of the year is all about.