wowheee

yesterday was a GOOD day. a very good day.

elijah took his first steps. so stinkin' cool.

we were just hanging out at john's sister's house...waiting for john to get home from work. elijah was being his usual busy self...cruising all over the furniture...trying to eat his cousin's shoes...you know...the usual. and then...without any warning...without any pomp or circumstance...he just let go of the couch and toddled over to jackie like it was no big deal. like he'd been walking his entire life. of course, we all erupted with cheers and clapping, which startled him to his bum...but he got up and did it again and again and again.

disappointed that john missed the first official steps but elijah showed off for him too once he got home. super excited for this milestone. so glad he's got the confidence to just let go. gonna try to get some pictures today. we'll see. amazing to watch him grow...learn...be. loving this time of his little life. we have so much fun together...

also got some good news yesterday. our neighbors and good friends just found out they're pregnant...AGAIN! kendall is five months old...so this was a bit of an oops baby...but still...they're excited and so are we. can't wait to meet the little one. we're gonna celebrate this weekend...because you should always celebrate babies. kinda wish it was me...k...i more than kinda wish...but that will come when it's time i suppose.

made chicken pot pie for dinner last night...YUM! it was a low-fat version...and it was still super good. and super easy. here's the recipe...

deep dish chicken pot pie

prep time: 20 min
total time: 50 min
makes: 6 servings

ingredients: 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/4 cup KRAFT Light Zesty Italian Reduced Fat Dressing

4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese, cubed

2 Tbsp. flour

1/2 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

1 refrigerated pie crust (1/2 of 15-oz. pkg.)

PREHEAT oven to 375°F. Cook chicken in dressing in large skillet on medium heat 2 min. Add Neufchatel cheese; cook and stir until melted. Add flour; mix well. Add broth and vegetables; simmer 5 min.

POUR mixture into deep dish 10-inch pie plate (note: i do not own a deep dish pie plate so i used a cake pan instead and it worked just fine). Arrange pie crust over filling; flute edges. Cut four slits in crust to allow steam to escape.

BAKE 30 min. or until crust is golden brown.

this song's been running through my head the past week or so...thought i'd share the lyrics.

when the sun starts to rise and i open my eyes
You are good, so good
in the heat of the day, with each stone that i lay
You are so good
with every breath i take in
i'll tell You i'm grateful again
when the moon climbs high before each kiss goodnight
You are good

when the road starts to turn around each bend i've learned
You are good, so good
and when somebody's hand holds me up, helps me stand
You are so good
with every breath i take in
i'll tell you i'm grateful again
'cause it's more than enough just to know i am loved
and You are good

so, how can i thank You?
what can i bring?
what can these poor hands lay at the feet of a King?
i'll sing you a love song
it's all that i have
to tell You i'm grateful for holding my life in Your hands

when it's dark and it's cold and i can't feel my soul
You are good
when the world is gone gray and the rain is here to stay
You are STILL good
so, with every breath i take in
i'll tell you i'm grateful again
and the storm may swell even then: IT IS WELL
and You are good.

so, how can i thank You?
what can i bring?
what can these poor hands lay at the feet of a King?
i'll sing you a love song
it's all that i have
to tell You i'm grateful for holding my life in Your hands.

taking those words to heart as i sing them throughout the day...reminding myself that despite my reluctance to be HERE...God is still good. always. every day. every day. every day.

elijah is calling...gotta go get my little walker...