This picture collage created with Smilebox

Brotherly Love

Drew's chalk drawing on the sidewalk of "me and my Bradley."

What to Do with Christmas Photo Cards...

... once Christmas is long gone?

You want to keep them for the keepsakes they are, but where do you keep them so that you will eventually revisit them?

This idea was adapted from another mom who shared what she did with hers a few years ago. She keeps the photos and includes them in her weekly planning calendar that hangs on her family's refrigerator. Her family then spends that week praying for the family whose photo appears.

I don't use a weekly calendar method, nor do I have my calendar on my refrigerator. Instead, I cut out the photos, tape/glue them to card stock, write the family name under the photo, and thread them on to two binder rings. We flip to the next card each day. They hang on my calendar, right near my desk, where we all see the family for that day. The idea is that we individually, and corporately, pray for that family as much as possible in our prayer times that day. Now, some days go by, and I (or we) haven't been as faithful as originally intended. Then, we just leave that family up for another day, so that we are sure they have a full day during which their family is covered in prayer. Once Christmas is over, I look forward to making many more beautiful additions.

Simpler Christmas Revisited

Well, turns out I'm not the only one on this journey...

Read this, and you will also enjoy reading the comments that follow.

Thinking Outside the (Gift) Box

Fresh herb plants and some fresh vegetables to go along with them for some special people...



Parsley, red & green bell peppers, zucchini squash, cherry tomatoes and basil




Parsley, red & green bell peppers, zucchini squash, cherry tomatoes and cilantro

In and Out

I know I'm going to sound like an old, legalistic granny, but am I the only one who thinks too many people are coming and going as they please during church services? Yes, when little ones fuss or need to move, or there is an emergency, or you get paged to pick up your little one... then it is time to move. But, you can't tell me that all those people who are up and down, in and out, back and forth, more than once, during the service each week, didn't know that they needed to use the restroom before service started. You can't tell me that you couldn't wait a few more minutes for a cup of coffee (or Coke, or water). And, sorry, but what is up with all the people who think if they leave right after the sermon during prayer time that they are on to something? Guess what? We all end up leaving eventually, and is it that important to get going before everyone else does? I am a fairly focused person, and generally do not have a hard time concentrating when distracting things are going on around me. However, I feel sometimes like I am sitting in a fast food joint with a revolving door at the back, where folks just seem to operate under the impression that church must fit into their busy personal over-scheduled lives. They come in, order what they want (a little music here, a small prayer on the side, and a small helping of the Word), and then they are on to the next thing.

Ways to a Simpler Christmas

After hearing how many of my close friends have really long To-Do Lists this time of year, I thought I would offer some solace to, a) those of you who loathe list-making and just want to let yourself soak up all Christmas-time has to offer and b) those of you who thrive on lists but are so over the never-ending tasks of Christmas.

*Disclaimer*

This is only going to be of help for those in the b) category if you are willing to surrender your past ideals. If you make yourself crazy with your lists, and you love to do so, then, this article will be of no help.

In the past, I have discussed on this blog how our family relishes in the simplicity of our Christmas (here and here). Now, I am not going to share every single aspect of our Christmas celebration here... that is not the point of this post. However, I am going to share the things that are derived from a list of craziness, but they are fewer in number, they are less intense, toned down several notches, we move more slowly while we do them, and we savor each moment involved. We have a greater appreciation for these simpler things than we've had for many more things in Christmases past.

Let me start by saying that even last year, when we had a simple Christmas planned and in order, the Lord simplified it even more by timing my surgery for December 17th. That really made us prioritize, slow down even more, and enjoy that which was the reason for this season.

Gonzalez Ways to a Simpler Christmas

• Our past tradition of sending Christmas cards was re-arranged to become, instead, an Easter tradition. We now send cards at Easter, and that alone takes quite a bit off one's list. We still include a family photo and letter - it just arrives at a different time of year.
• We purchase one gift for each child, and David and I abstain from gifts for each other. For most of you, your jaw is on the floor now. The first times in our marriage that we did this, it was an adjustment. But, now, we don't miss the gifts. Now, keep in mind that neither Dave nor I have a Primary Love Language of Gifts. If we did, this might be catastrophic, and if your Primary Love Language is Gifts, or your spouse's is, I don't recommend this!
• We put up a few strings of lights on the front of the house, but we don't purchase or use elaborate lawn decorations or lights that cover the yard. There is nothing wrong with lots of lights! They are beautiful! We just do a simpler version and the look on the kids' faces is still one of delight and wonder as they watch the twinkling lights.
• We attend a Christmas Eve Service at our church. Keeps our focus in the right place on the Eve of the biggest Commercial holiday! We LOVE to attend Christmas Eve service, and it's such a joy to see our church 'family' on this holiday, too!
  
• We bake, but mostly just for the experience of baking. We keep a few sweets on hand for the kids to enjoy during the holiday, but we don't keep a long list of those to bake for. Yes, it is wonderful to let all those folks know how important they are to us, and that we are thankful for them. But, let's be honest - they are not in fellowship with us because of what we give them at Christmas. For that same reason:
• We don't purchase gifts for other families outside our own, except for families in need. See previous note.

So, these are just some of the ways our family chooses to lead a simpler Christmas season. We have found that we are much more free to enjoy time with those we love when the opportunities arise because we are not pressed with to-do's. We avoid the commercial side of Christmas at all costs, and do not allow ourselves to spend based on our emotions. By offering our family this simplicity, we pray that our children will grow up understanding there are no 'have-to-do's' to make Christmas happen. Remember what I said in 2008: "in spite of the absence of all other practical preparations, He chose to send His only son, our Lord, to this earth and provide the one gift none of us would be alive without."

Christmas is coming, and it will be here, whether your list is complete or not! Make your heart ready, and be blessed. Let the rest stay where it belongs... on the list.

In Celebration of My New Coat from Ross that only cost $18...

Christmas Shopping Extravaganza!

Join us at Max Hasse Park

on Saturday, 12/11

from 8 am to 12 pm

Avoid the trap of Holiday Debt

and, instead,

complete your Christmas Shopping with CASH!

Some of the many items available for purchase include:

• Southern Living at Home items
• Baby and Children’s Toys
• Home Décor
• Christmas Trimmings
• Infant and Toddler Clothing
• Baby Linens
• Adult Clothing
• Family Games
• Kitchen Wares
• Movies
• Adult and Children’s Book Selections
• Costume Jewelry
• Shoes

You don’t want to miss this!

ALL visitors will receive

one entry in a drawing

to win

One Dozen Cupakes,

 in the Holiday Flavor of your Choice!

Curried Mango Bread

Pretty stinkin' unconventional, in my book, anyway, but pretty darn tasty! All three guys liked it, too. That is always the 'real' vote!

Curried Mango Bread

The guy who posted this recipe is right in his analysis - the batter is fairly dry, which did make me a little nervous, but the bread bakes up perfectly moist. The first time ever that the look of dry batter is deceiving (in my experience, anyway). Also, you will do a double take at some of the ingredients: garlic (yep),  and ground red pepper (I subbed this in place of the diced red chili). But just do it - I promise it will be great. And, you'll taste a little kick when you eat it! Enjoy!

How I Keep Myself Movin'

If you know me fairly well, you know I have never been a coffee person. Besides, who needs coffee when you have sweet tea? My "like" for sweet tea took a giant leap to "love" last fall when I couldn't eat. Well, I developed a habit and now, I finally have a happy juice to keep myself movin' when I start to slow down, or for when the lids get droopy.

Only true Southerners say "sweet tea". 

Sweet tea indicates the need for sugar 
and lots of it

--- we do not like our tea unsweetened.

Tuesday Night Dinner

Well, since Monday's earned rave reviews, here is Tuesday's meal in the works. Looks DELISH!

Black Bean Cocoa Quinoa 

Oh, yeah - it rocked. The boys liked it and I loved it! Being a vegetarian makes me more easier to please in the food department. Simplicity reigns, and I taste my food more than I did before. Not because I eat it differently - the tastes just stand out to me more. I can taste each ingredient in my food now, because I eat so much more simply. One of the many additional benefits I am discovering on my Veggie Journey!

Monday Night Dinner

This is what I am making for dinner tonight... you know you're really a true vegetarian when you can't stop craving these kinds of dishes, and that is just what happens to me now, on a daily basis!


Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Sauteed Leeks, White Beans and Walnuts

Operation Christmas Child

I wouldn't normally talk about this in a public forum, but this is a story of waiting on the Lord and Him granting us the desires of our hearts. He alone deserves all the glory for this.

Every year, our church participates in something known as Operation Christmas Child. It is organized by Samaritan's Purse, and while you can read more about it on their web page, put simply, it is an international effort to put shoe boxes filled with wonderful things for children all across the globe who do not have much and the boxes are presented along with the Gospel message.

Since having Drew, I have wanted to participate in this each year when the time rolls around. Our MOPS group participates, setting a new goal each year for how many boxes we hope to collect and pray over before they are shipped out. Well, every year, when it's time to participate, our finances have just not allowed for spending the money on the contents for the box. Yes, by now, I've lost you. Most of you are probably doubting that statement, and thinking something like "Well, really. You can't just forgo a few luxuries and put out the few dollars to send this stuff to some child who has way less than you?" I can't blame you for thinking that, because every year, I've felt silly not participating - guilty even. But every year, at this time, we have just not been able to give up $20 - that $20 was either all we had left to buy diapers or a few groceries, or gas. So, every year, I was gravely disappointed that I, someone who lives in the most privileged nation, and is way wealthier than most people in the world, could not participate in this wonderful ministry to children. I was wanting so bad to make it a family tradition with my children.

Fast forward to this year. I intended to take a box, but like in previous years, the money just wasn't there. As in, no money to pull out of the bank. I felt awful - but knowing that Dave and I are working diligently on the plans the Lord has laid before us, by paying cash for everything, not using credit, etc., etc., etc., we learned that being content also includes recognizing when you have given at the level you can, and waiting on the Lord before you give again. I missed the MOPS deadline, and thought I had missed the church deadline. Yesterday at school, Drew's teacher gave him a box to bring home and fill. Honestly, I was a little annoyed. Not with the teacher, at all, but annoyed because now how am I supposed to explain to my son that we can't fill the box? Annoyed only because I wasn't sure how I was going to explain this difficult topic to my four year old.

I was there at dismissal because I had helped with Drew's class for the last hour and he and I were going to have a Drew and Mommy Date. He was redeeming a reward ticket that called for a "Shop Till You Drop" day. My mom was watching B so Drew and I could spend some time together perusing thrift stores, stopping at the grocery for five things, and somehow, I just knew the Lord was going to provide a way for me to allow my son to "Shop" without spending a load of money. I thought I would be creative with which stores we went to and what types of things I could entice him with in order to not spend money on useless stuff that we don't need.

After my brief 2 seconds of annoyance I mentioned earlier, the Lord gave me my answer! I had previously worked it out in my mind that we would not spend more than $30 yesterday on our 'date,' including lunch. After a $6 lunch for both of us, together, we stopped at a thrift store, bought a DVD for Drew (Old Yeller), and then we went to the Dollar Store. What little boy doesn't just love the Dollar Store?! I explained to Drew before going in that we were there to pick out toys, books, and necessary items for a little boy on the other side of the world who doesn't have much. I explained, as best I could in four-year-old speak, the ministry that would take place because of this box. We went in, and Drew had a blast "shopping" like crazy, picking out all sorts of things to put in the shoe box for this little boy. He could not contain his excitement. He never asked for anything for himself (which is hard not to do in the Dollar Store!). We paid, spent $19, and we were on our way. We picked up the few groceries we needed on the way home, and once home, Drew was more than satisfied with his "Shop till you Drop" afternoon, and felt he had been rewarded with an amazing prize, better than he had even imagined it being.

All that to say, in a very long-winded way, that the Lord may have had me wait four years, but He did grant me the desire of my heart to send a box to a very special child somewhere so that he may be blessed by its contents and hear about the love of Jesus Christ. AND, he planted that desire in my son's young heart, as well.

As many as I love I rebuke and chasten -- Revelation 3:19

A reflection on this as printed in my Streams in the Desert Devotional that my mother-in-love game me many years ago:

If all my days were sunny, could I say,
"In His fair land He wipes all tears away?"

If I were never weary, could I keep
Close to my heart, "He gives His loved ones sleep?"

Where no graves mine, might I not come to deem
The Life Eternal but a baseless dream?

My winter, and my tears, and weariness,
Even my graves, may be His way to bless.

I call them ills; yet that can surely be
Nothing but love that shows my Lord to me!

The most deeply taught Christians are generally those who have been brought into the searching fires of deep soul-anguish. If you have been praying to know more of Christ, do not be surprised if He takes you aside into a desert place, or leads you into a furnace of pain.

You Know You are a Mother of Preschoolers When...

• You've ever burned out your car battery by pumping in the back seat (yep, I did - last November).
• You get ready for bed at night, run your hands through your hair, and say "Where did THAT come from?!"
• You actually loathe keeping track of and entering those little Pampers Gifts to Grow codes, but it just drives you nuts to throw them out.
• You no longer judge others based on the cleanliness, or lack thereof, of their baseboards.
• White shirts aren't worth the money - you get no mileage out of them.
• Even for a relatively technically savvy female, your paper tiger has lapped you several times while you are too busy to think about chasing it.
• You realize you could get a lot more done if you had a wife and a secretary.
• You will stay up, into the wee hours of the morning, just to have some down time (reading, folding laundry, watch a favorite *recorded on DVR* show) no matter how tired you are.
• You gain new perspective on how Jesus must feel when you don't obey Him the first time!
• No more awkward silences when meeting new people for the first time -you always have conversation starters in your midst.
• You wonder when your kitchen became known as the "Short-Order Buffet."
• Your memory fails you as to what you did for entertainment before you had kids.
• Eating dinner out as a family is not a luxury - it's a punishment for the person stuck serving your table. You'd rather cook and eat at home anyday.
• You wonder when you grew such a long pointer finger.
• You tell your girlfriend (who is a grown-up, by the way!) that you'll be right back because you have to "go potty."
• You know there is so much more you could add to this list, but you've been working on it for over a week now and just want to publish it already!

Add your own and let's keep the list going!

This is for you!

For Michele, my faithful vegetarian recipe reader...

Ridiculously basic, and easy, but, oh, so good!


Pasta with Roasted Broccoli and Garlic


Thanks, Gina's Skinny Recipes! Oh, and bookmark that sight - it is a great resource!

Top Five Ways Raising Bradley is Like Training a Puppy

5. He chases ice, crazy fast, while panting, when it falls from the dispenser on the freezer.

4. Playtime is just an excuse to rearrange the furniture.

3. He can spot an open toilet a mile away.

2. The second you take your eyes off of him, his hands are either in the trash can or he has the trash can tipped over.

1. He hunts down shoes of any kind just so he can chew on them... YUCK!

Two Questions

I need help (well, you knew that, right, but that's not the kind I'm talking about...hee hee hee).

1. Any information you can share, if you have had experience with growing avocado trees in this area, would be greatly appreciated. It would be appreciated so much that perhaps sharing some first fruits would be in order.

2. I really, really want to make my own bread, but without a bread machine. I had one when we first got married, and I wasn't crazy about the shape of the loaves. I want to make my own where I knead it, etc. Please, do you have anything to share on this topic? Pretty please? With a cherry on top?

Yes, I know books and internet sources abound - but I am on information overload and want to hear from someone who has done these things, had personal experience. Plus, conflicting information abounds in those numerous sources. So, have at it, and give me all the advice you've got (uh, we're talking about avocados and bread!).

Andrew and His School

I don't think it will come as a surprise to any of you how much Andrew is loving going to preschool. He looks so forward to waking up each morning, eating breakfast with Daddy, getting dressed, riding with Daddy to school and playing on the playground until school starts.

Drew loves his teacher, and if you could see the way he looks at her... it is priceless. To add an interesting element to this story, Drew's teacher is married to the man who was the Dean of Men at the college David attended for his first two years of school. We all think that it is so special that our son was placed in her class, and we know that God called her to be his teacher this year.

Now, I am not one to brag about my child's academic achievements as something to be benchmarked, heralded all over the place, or compared to those of others. I am simply very excited by what he is learning and how he is growing, so much, already, in school.

He is already reciting, at his own prompting, a rather lengthy (for 4 year old children) bible verse, John 3:16-17: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. We have worked with Drew regarding scripture memorization prior to school, but those verses were always much shorter. Who knew that he was going to be quoting such passages so early! I think you all know that it brings such joy to see your child learning to hide God's word in his/her heart. I don't know about you, but I wasn't memorizing scripture that long when I was four!

He has brought home two books to keep at home that he can read to me! What? Yes! He can read them to me! They are about 6 to 8 pages, but he reads them. I LOVE to hear him read.

He is initiating prayer for others more often at home instead of always waiting for mine or David's prompting. Any of you that know Drew know he is very compassionate, and this is an extension of that compassion that the Lord is growing within him.

He adores the time of day where his class participates in centers. I think his favorite center is the listening center. He is enjoying every single classmate in his class - he is very relational, and has been waiting so long to get to be part of a class.

Well, lest I bore you with more details, forgive my unorganized but enthusiastic thoughts. We are so blessed, beyond measure, to be able to send our son to our school of choice. We do not take that for granted, and we praise the Lord for all He is already doing in our young Andrew through his school.

Chicken Ropa Vieja

Yes, I know this isn't veggie...but I still need to feed my carnivores! Here is a link to a great take on a Cuban favorite, only with chicken, to make it more heart healthy. The boys loved it, and that's saying a lot, considering the hubs is Cuban and grew up on Cuban cooking.


Chicken Ropa Vieja

What Happened to the Vegetarian Cookbook?

You know, the one I was supposed to be cooking my way through, and posting about?

W-e-l-l, I suppose the only accurate way to explain the absence of my posts on the subject is to admit the truth. I felt very restricted and 'boxed-in' with the cookbook. I have become, over the last several years, something strangely similar to a food snob. I enjoy, no, rather, I love anything to do with food. Cooking, preparing, serving food - I revel in all of it. I have developed, ashamedly, a tiny bit of cooking ego as well. Now, that does not mean I think everyone should like my food, or that I think my food is better than the food others prepare. Instead, it means I have moved through my culinary journey to a point where I enjoy figuring it out myself, or experimenting on my own. I reached the point where recipes are either merely a guide, or in some cases, just good decoration for my kitchen (!).

It has become difficult for me to sincerely enjoy cooking that is entirely, always from a cookbook or a recipe. And, since I've had to switch to vegetarian eating in the last couple months, I have discovered, ironically, that a lot of the 'vegetarian' recipes from that cookbook, still include dairy products, which I can no longer eat.

Therefore, I will post in the future about things I am trying on my vegetarian journey in place of items from the cookbook I was using. Some may be my own concoctions, and some may be from various crazy cool vegetarian food blogs I have discovered in recent weeks.

Party of Six

Every Wednesday night, my sister, Jaime, comes to pick up her baby girl, Piper, from our house. We keep Piper with us on Wednesdays while Jaime is working at her internship for school.

When Jaime first gets to our house, the kids, Jaime and I all play together, visit, and laugh, a lot. Then by the time Dave gets home, dinner is started, or already in the works. Jaime and Piper stay to eat dinner with us before they travel home to get Piper's nighttime routine started.

I was saying just the other night how our weekly tradition of getting to spend time together reminds me of that old TV show title, Party of Five. Those five family members had a special table they all sat at to eat dinner together.

So we now have our own Party of Six tradition, and we enjoy every minute of it. I personally enjoy getting to do something to serve Jaime. Both of us have little ones, so schedules are something we have to stick to right now. That doesn't always leave me all the time I would like to serve my extended family. Serving dinner to her is one way that I can do that right now in this season of our lives. We enjoy sharing about our day together, the kids laugh and carry on, and since it is a night Dave is home, we all get the benefit of a real family dinner together at the table. Now, if we can just figure out a way to get Gary here... (his work schedule prevents him from being here on Wednesdays).

My Organized Pantry

Thanks to Bethany over at The Simple Day, I was more than inspired to make strides at getting this overdue task off my list. This is the end result - and I am very pleased. I actually was able to move more things into my pantry by doing this, and it looks less full than it did when I started.

How do you...

... serve the world with a preschooler on your hip?

Tell me the ways you do, or did (when your kids were preschool age).

This is what I eat

I'm so OVER fighting all the digestive issues that I will always have as a result of my cholecystectomy last December. SO, I have been experimenting on my own to see how I can naturally correct the problem. Turns out, going veggie has solved the problem! Yay! So, I'm a hippie vegetarian now!

Cupcakery

For hire, except for weddings. Wedding showers okay, but no weddings. I can't handle that kind of pressure! The strawberry flavor, shown here, is going to be one of my signature recipes. I highly recommend it!

Birthday Dinner Fun

One family photo following birthday dinner on Tuesday... we were all tired and more than delirious, but at least it's a photo....

My Heart is Breaking

I know we will never understand certain things in life, but I am broken-hearted for so many right now who have such large burdens to carry. Lord, please lift them up and make them soar on wings like eagles. Help them to be strong, to be courageous, to keep on!

It's so cliche' and yet so true- Life changes in an instant. It only takes one minute, one second...


That's it... that's all I can say. I can't find the words.

The Simple Things

If you were sick, and the Lord healed you... somebody oughta know about it!
If you were in despair, and the Lord rescued you...  somebody oughta know about it!
If you couldn't pay your bills, and the Lord provided... somebody oughta know about it!
If you were out of your mind, and the Lord gave you back your sense... somebody oughta know about it!
If you were blind, and the Lord allowed you to see... somebody oughta know about it!

If the Lord has done a work in your life... somebody oughta know about it!

Don't forget to share with anyone you can what the Lord has done in your life!

Sunday, September 5th

Clearly, I am repeatedly falling short of the task of posting to this blog. That is because, like yours, my days are full. They are rich with activity, decisions, emotion, thoughts, prayer and preparations. I have several ideas per day that are most certainly blog-worthy, or are they? However, my desire to keep my life properly prioritized takes its priority and, thus, the 'blog' drops to the end of the "I-Truly-Never-Want-It-to-End, Really" list.

Decisions about what to surprise my son with in his lunch box, how to get the slobber-soaked baby puff stain out of the white on the baby's shirt, how to help my husband stick to a routine that allows him more rest, how to best feed myself when I can't eat most things anymore, how to economize each 1/10th of a cent that enters our bank account, when to realize a day's work is done, when to lie awake and pray more, longer, when to try feeding food to the baby for the 2,167th time....

Activities surrounding the early morning getaway of my hubby and our firstborn, the rousing of a congested baby, the 17th trip to (insert favorite store here - WalMart, Publix, Sweetbay, Target) this week, the destruction of creepy insects that scoot into the house hunting higher ground after a good rain, the accurate recording and categorizing of every purchase for the month, no matter how small, the pickup soccer game in the front yard with #1, the chasing #2 (while he rounds the corners faster than I can count them) with his push-toys,  ....

Emotions about others who are in need, about  my four-year-old being in school, already, about the love I have for so many, but am no good at expressing, about the punk who almost hit my vehicle while I had my children with me, about the husband who works tirelessly on behalf of me and our sons and loves me and them so deeply, the mom and dad I know I will never be able to live without, the memories my childhood gave me, the relationships that are in excellent shape and the ones that still need mending...

Prayers for so much, the impossible, but the ask-able, the do-able for Christ, but the un-do-able for man, the ridiculous by human standards, but possible for Him, the protection of so many, and comfort for the un-protected, the stupidity of myself, and the thanksgiving for the grace the Cross brings me, the fruit I know He can bear through me, the attitude I reflect to my family and others, for the world and the worldy, for the soldier in harm's way, for the unknown tribesman who hunts in a distant jungle, wondering if that is all he was meant for...

Thoughts about remembering to put that in the mailbox, about calling to confirm someone's appointment,  about what D must be doing in school, about how did I get to be this age, because I know I was just eighteen, about will I always want to take a nap, even though I don't, about how much longer does my hair need to get, did I restart the dryer, was that the phone I heard, where are the scissors, will they both sleep tonight....
 
Preparations for serving my children, my husband, my niece, my sister - will she like that for dinner this week? For laundry folding, out of the reach of both boys, for the yard sale I desperately need to put together, for the cupcakes I am making, for the food or things I want to make for other people, for the year ahead, the five years down the road, and eternity...

Up to No Good

Uncle Russell enjoying his beloved baby time during our stay... he adores babies and children.

Blueberry Pickin' with Nana

The first of many times blueberries were harvested during our week's stay in Georgia. Drew loved the concept of field-to-table with his food!

Man, I just don't know where to begin. We vacationed from Jun 30th to Jul 7th. It was THE best. We joined my parents at their cabin in Georgia. The boys loved, loved, loved the outdoors (no surprise there). A quick synopsis: Drew was able to see fireworks for the first time, by the river, in Albany, Georgia. We visited cows, up close and personal, in the pasture. We ate hundreds, and picked thousands, of fresh blueberries. We made blueberry pie for the first time, without a recipe, and it was delicious. We visited the Museum of Aviation in Warner-Robins, Georgia, and saw a massive collection of warplanes, helicopters and other flight vehicles. Some were used for cargo, rescue, combat... wow, wow, wow. We could not believe all the planes we were seeing in person. A definite strong recommendation if you are ever in that area. We had a great trip up, and a good trip back as well. On the way up, we visited Yoder's Amish Restaurant. A first for me, a repeat offense for David. Well, yes, it was unbelievably yummy, but I ate small morsels so as not to be sick the whole trip. I still don't do well with eating (without side effects) since my surgery in December. Also, in allergen news ... Drew ate pancakes with buttermilk in them and his reaction was slightly more subdued. We are trying to test the waters a little bit in regard to his food allergies, and with some success. On the way back, Nana (my mom) joined us for the trip while Papa (my dad) remained for another week. In that scenario, the boys were definitely happy to have someone join them in the back of the van for constant company.

I don't have any photos to upload yet. My hard drive failed upon our return, and while my computer has a new one, I can't get it to recognize my smart card yet with all my photos. And, as you can imagine, figuring that out is not high on my list of priorities.

I've just scratched the surface... I'll keep the posts coming.

I'm a slacker this week - only because we have had lots of events out of the house and now I am trying to prepare for our summer getaway. I have some posts coming, but I've had to put them on the bottom of the list... so don't give up on me again. I won't be away for long!

Dad's 70th Birthday

Cousin Linda (from New York), Gary, Jaime, Piper, Mom, Dad, Drew, Jen, Dave and Brad

Cajun Potato Wedges

I made these as part of David's Father's Day dinner, and they are hardly even a recipe as far as I'm concerned because they are so easy. Thumbs up from Dave, Jen and Drew! Drew normally won't touch a potato in this form, but I insisted he try one bite, and he was surprised to find out he actually like them, too.

Vegetable Oil
4 medium potatoes
1-2 tbsp. cajun spice mix (I used Old Bay seasoning)

Preheat the oven to 375. Cute the potatoes into wedge shapes or chunks. Roll the wedges in the Cajun spice mix. Toss with oil to coat. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.

Woops!

This is what happens when you set a plastic cutting board on the stove and accidentally turn on the wrong burner. I seriously did this the other night - I am such an idiot because every time (four times) I walked back to the stove to check what was supposed to be cooking, I kept wondering, "That's strange that the onions aren't changing color yet. Hmmm." Then, I even went to cut something else to add to the pan, and wondered, "Hmmm, I don't remember my cutting board being convex - seems to me it used to be a little more flat. Hmmm. " Two more times until I realized I had the wrong burner on - the one under the cutting board. Let me tell you that the smell was horrific! I was certain we were all going to get poisoned by toxic fumes! Not one of my most intelligent moments!

Spinach and Lentil Soup

For some reason I was brave enough to serve this as our main course tonight - that means no meat was provided along with it. I was quite certain Dave was not going to be too thrilled, but in the interest of cutting costs and not preparing superfluous items, I took the risk. Well, much to my surprise, he was not disappointed in our dinner selection for the evening.

When prepared exactly as instructed, I initially thought it tasted like cooked lentils in hot water (read: absent of any cohesive flavor). However, I added *salt* and a few (I think 1.5 tsp) more scoops of vegetable broth granules to kick it up. Those two additions, along with the cilantro at the end, succeeded in bringing the flavor. Thumbs up from Dave and me - thumbs down for Drew.

2 cups brown lentils
5 cups water
2 tsp. olive oil
1 med. onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
20 English spinach leaves, stalks removed and leaves finely shredded
(I just bought a bag of fresh spinach leaves)
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. finely grated lemon rind
2 cups vegetable stock
2 cups water
2 tsp. finely chopped cilantro

Place the lentils in a large pan with water. Bring to the boil and then simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour. Rinse and drain, then set aside. In a separate pan heat the oil; add the onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat until golden. Add spinach and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the lentils, cumin, lemon rind, stock and water to the pan. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Add the cilantro and stir through. Serve immediately.

God on the Mountain

A few weeks ago Dave and I escaped for 24 hours in honor of our anniversary. Mom kept the boys for us, and we ran some errands together (an extreme rarity in our household) and also made some spontaneous stops on the way (Big Cypress Marketplace, for one). Anyway, we were gone for part of Saturday and part of Sunday. On Sunday morning, we went to go eat breakfast on the water, and afterward, the Lord literally directed our car to a Baptist church with 25 in attendance, counting us (!). Well, God spoke to both of us in a mighty way during that service, and the end of the service included something that will serve as one of the great spiritual events in my life. That moment was precipitated by one of the dear sweet ladies who welcomed us, with actual open arms, at the beginning of the service, singing this song. I had not heard it in a long, long time - and I had never heard anyone else sing it in my presence except for my late Godmother. The clip below is not from that church service, but rather from a Gaither Gathering, where Gospel Music singer Lynda Randle performs the song.

Herbed Potato Pancakes

Here is the recipe from last night that I served alongside our turkey meatballs. They were way good, and thumbs up from Dave and I. Drew didn't have any - he only wanted meatballs because he made them, and he is a carnivore!

2 tbsp. chives
2 tbsp. tarragon dill
salt and pepper
3 medium potatoes, peeled
2 oz unsalted butter
2 tbsp. olive oil

Mix the chives, dill and salt and pepper in a bowl. Coarsely grate the potatoes and squeeze out the excess moisture. Add to the herb mixture and combine well.

 Heat half the butter and oil in pan over med heat, until it starts to foam. Cook heaped tablespoonsful of the potato mixture for two minutes. Turn and cook for about 2 to 3 more minutes, or until golden. Drain on paper towels; keep warm. Add remaining butter and oil to pan. Repeat process using all the mixture.

Pineapple and Banana Cake

I made this recipe yesterday for dessert. We joined another family for dinner at their house, so they were tasting this for the first time right along with us. Dan, Erin, Dave, Drew and I all gave this recipe a thumbs up. Sorry I didn't get a good picture of the cake - this was taken today when Drew was enjoying a leftover piece. I don't think it is a secret how he felt about the cake. And, Hope and Brad did not sample the cake - they were too busy looking cute in their Chicago get-ups.

Drew is Drawing Angels

He told me this was an angel... do you see the wings? Then he told me, "See the circle on the angel's head?" Smart kid - he even knows they have halos! Don't tell me the Lord doesn't speak to children in more ways than we know.

Pasta Vegetable Bake

I made this recipe from The Essential Vegetarian Cookbook tonight for dinner. The photo above is not the completed product, but instead the vegetables and sauce cooking on the stove before I combined with the pasta. I thought the colors were pretty enough to photograph. Thumbs up from both Dave and me; Drew did not eat tonight. He was very tired and instead wanted to go to bed. I loved the flavor of zucchini with the sauce, but this is not a new flavor combination for me. Very satisfying for me, even without the meat.

1 tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed  minced
3 medium zucchini, sliced
3 oz. button baby bella mushrooms, sliced
2 cups ready made tomato pasta sauce
1 cup frozen canned peas
salt and pepper
1 1/2 cups dried pasta (penne or spiralli)
4 tbsp. freshly grated parmesan cheese

Heat oil in pan. Add the onion and garlic, cooking over low heat for 4 minutes or until onions are soft. Add zucchini and mushrooms, cook for 3 minutes. Add the sauce and peas. Cook for 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside. Add pasta to a large pan of boiling water and cook according to package directions. Drain and add vegetables to the pan. Spoon mixture into a casserole dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake, covered, for 20 to 30 minutes.

Uncle Dave and Piper, just chillin' on the couch at Nana's. Do you think he could be any more proud of her? By the way, her dress says Diva in Training. Cute!

Beach Fun

I love this photo of Bradley for many reasons, but one of those is because he looks like his late Great Uncle Gene (my dad's brother) in his fishing hat.

Corn Chowder

Above is my first completed recipe from The Essential Vegetarian Cookbook. I served it last night as part of our dinner. Dave and Drew both gave it a thumbs up, as did I. Very hearty, and for me, could have been a meal in itself. The sour cream on top is optional, and I put it on Dave's serving. I, on the other hand, enjoyed eating this recipe without any dairy in it (except the butter to cook the onions and garlic).

3 oz butter
2 onions, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tsp. cumin
4 c. veg. stock
2 med. potatoes, peeled and chopped
8 oz. cream style corn
2 c. fresh corn kernels
3 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley cilantro
1 c. grated cheddar cheese
salt and black pepper to taste
3 tbsp. cream (optional)

Heat the butter in large pan. Add onions and cook over med-high heat until golden. Add garlic and cumin, cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add vegetable stock, bring to boil. Add potatoes and reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. Add the creamed corn, corn kernels and cilantro. Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer for 10 minutes. Stir through the cheese, salt and pepper, to taste and cream. Heat gently until the cheese melts. Serve immediately, sprinkled with chopped cilantro.

Laundry Help

Courtesy of my eager helper, Andrew. Such a big boy!

And the Winner is....

The Essential Vegetarian Cookbook!

Even when I asked for tie-breaker votes, I still ended up with a tie (Dave was given a vote, and of course he voted for the Mitford Cookbook). I was trying to decide between the two, and told Dave that I felt for the sake of our marriage I needed to go with the Mitford cookbook, because he just was not very enthusiastic about vegetarian anything. I had explained I had been looking forward to stretching myself with the self-imposed 'assignment.' And while each of the cookbooks would have been a stretch to some degree, I felt the Mitford cookbook was going to be the least stretching of any (except for our waistbands, of which I'm sure it would stretch plenty). David indicated that as long as I don't expect him to become vegetarian (which I don't, and I wouldn't even consider doing because I like meat too much), that he would be happy to allow me to try to entice him into eating his veggies more with some yummy recipes from the vegetarian cookbook.

I plan to have my first recipe prepared in a few days, so get ready for the journey and stay tuned!

Memorial Day 2010

Tiebreaker

Last chance to voice your opinion (if you have not already). New votes, only, please. There is a tie between the Mitford Cookbook and the Vegetarian Cookbook. I could go with either one, but I want you all to decide. I look forward to beginning from the winning choice sometime this week!

Because I Don't Have Enough to Keep Me Busy

Yes, I'm adding another thing to the list, by choice. Am I crazy?

Most of you have probably seen Julie & Julia. Well, I knew nothing about Julie and her blog until I saw that movie. Ever since then (certainly I'm not the first to think this), I thought it would be fun to pick a lesser-used cookbook of mine to cook all the way through.

I've picked three books out of my collection that, for various reasons, I have not used much, yet. I will present each of them below, and then it is up to you to leave your comment, voting for which you think I should journey through.

 A few important notes to consider:

• Regardless of book choice, it is going to take a while to 'cook through' it. I doubt I will be able to do one recipe per day, and also, I'm sure some of the ingredients will get a little pricey, so I'll have to spread out the recipes.
• Some recipes will be easy for me to adapt based on my son's food allergies; others will not. Whenever possible, I will make adaptations to recipes, and note them accordingly.
• Some recipes will completely gross me out; while the idea is to get out of my comfort zone, if Dave is not available to help with some particular gross-ness, we may have to 'table' a few recipes (I will try to keep that to a minimum though). I know which cookbook will involve most of this, but I will refrain from swaying your decision, as I will enjoy cooking from any of these three.

The Essential Vegetarian Cookbook
Vegetarian food has come a long way since the days when it was regarded as the province of faddists. Now it is fresh, modern and young - an exciting and sophisticated cuisine enjoyed by an increasing number of people who appreciate fine food. This book contains a wealth of superb vegetarian recipes, from snacks to substantial meals, desserts to drinks. Drawing on flavors from around the world and using fine, fresh produce, vegetarian food will never again seem second best.

Jan Karon's Mitford Cookbook and Kitchen Reader
Millions of Mitford fans will agree - it's easy to put on a pound of two reading a Mitford novel. In scene after scene, you find colorful characters enjoying ravishing dishes like Puny's golden-crusted cornbread and Father Tim's baked ham with bourbon glaze. And before you know it, you've read several pages by the glow of the refrigerator light bulb. 
Now, when you read about a dish that starts a craving, you can go to the kitchen and create it yourself. Gathered here are recipes for 150 dishes that anyone would be thrilled to put on the table.

Memories of a Cuban Kitchen
"The best foreign cookbook honors go to Memories of a Cuban Kitchen. The book rings wonderfully true, both in its recipes and its evocations of pre-Castro Havana as recalled by author Mary Urrutia randelman with heartfelt affection. This beautiful book is a memory piece as much as a cookbook." --The Washington Times
"Memories of a Cuban Kitchen will be and added treasure in any cook's library and a must in the kitchen of any American of Cuban Heritage or anyone who's interested in exploring Cuban cooking more fully at home." --The Miami Herald 

DON'T FORGET to leave your comments and vote on your choice!

Enjoying the Gulf

We are, quite literally, soaking up the beach as much as possible right now. I even made one trip the other evening by myself with both boys (something I would not even consider under normal circumstances!). I grew up in Southwest Florida, and have lived here my whole life. Dave has always lived on the coast, also - part of his life on the east coast, the rest on the west. We have both always had the wonderful gift of the beach. All the memories, the fun, the experiences... it was such a large part Dave's childhood, and mine. It saddens us to think it could be taken away from us. At the risk of sounding dramatic, it breaks our hearts to consider the possibility our children may not have the blessing of the beach for any portion of their childhood. We are praying against any harm from the oil spill in the Northern Gulf, but we are most definitely taking advantage while we can, just in case we can't in the near future. And, we ARE enjoying every second of it!

Even SuperHeroes Need Rest

Oh, sometime in the last ten days, Drew insisted it was not a day to wear normal clothes. Instead, only Superman garb would do. So, on the costume went and my energetic son set off to save the world. He was fighting off dragons, keeping me safe from intruders and protecting his little brother from harm. He was building massive structures and leaping over them. He didn't need food or water either. Each of my offers for nourishment were met with this response: "Superman is SO strong he doesn't need food, OR water, or guess what, Mommy? Superman doesn't need a NAP either!" Well, you all know that a nap is required for the Drewster, and I told him that he needed to start quieting down, because before too long, I would put him to bed for naptime. Well, shortly thereafter, the phone rang, and I was occupied for about three minutes before I realized "Hmmm, it's gotten awfully quiet around here." I walked into our bedroom and peeked around the corner to see this, complete with some pretty intense snoring.



I chuckled to myself, and grinned uncontrollably. Hah - he thought he didn't need any rest. Then I got to thinking - just like when I tell God that "I've got this. Thanks, but I'm not tired. I'm... not... w e a r y. " Sure. Okay. But then, before we know it, we've burned out. We crash. Our body demands rest to the point where we have no choice. We succumb to that which our frame requires. I do it. I hear God telling me that now is not the time. You need not do this right now. You can't do everything. No, but I can sure try. I'm telling you to rest, be still. How can I be still? Look at all that needs my attention. REST, NOW. Who needs rest? Only the weak, and I am not weak. Oh, my child. Even I needed rest. The 7th Day. Remember?

A Tender Heart

I was tucking Drew into bed tonight and I was telling him how much I loved him. Then, after a short pause in our conversation, he started to cry. I said, "Andrew - what's the matter? Why are you crying?" He mumbled something through his crying, which was hard to understand, because he was crying as he said it. I said, "Andrew - Mommy is right here. Why are you crying?" He said, "Because I love you."

Me: "You're crying because you love me?"
Drew: "Yes. Waaa, aaa, aaa. "
Me: "Oh, Drew - you have such a tender heart."
Drew: "I have a what?"
Me: "A tender heart."
(Pause)
Me: "Do you know you gave you that tender heart?"(Now this is where I was going to explain to Drew that Jesus is the one who gave him that tender heart because Jesus created him.) But before I got that far...
Drew: "You, Mommy."

Wow - I didn't see that coming. A mile away - not even in sight. I then went on to explain how Jesus was, in fact, the one who gave Drew his tender heart. But I was humbled that my three-year-old can see past all my yuckiness to think that his tender heart came from me. He taught me a lesson in love tonight. Because my children and my husband know that no matter how hard I try, I am human and, therefore, my heart is not always as tender as it should be.

I Love This Man!

Happy 8th Anniversary to THE MOST AMAZING man in the world!