Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Handiwork of God

I think the mystery of God's creation is absolutely awe-inspiring.  This little girl started out as something smaller than the eye could see.  But in her tiny beginning was everything that would make her Sarah.  I had no choice in how she would be formed (and seriously, who needs more choice these days??!!). 
She is beautiful; the handiwork of God. 
I'm so glad we get glimpses of Him this side of Heaven.

Asian Lettuce Wraps


We made these this summer, and thoroughly enjoyed them.  They are filling, but healthy, and lighter than a burrito.  And they are easy to make, which is a big bonus around here!
I served them with fresh fruit.
This recipe serves 4-6.

Ingredients
  • 16 Boston Bibb or butter lettuce leaves
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
  • 1 bunch green onions, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons Asian (dark) sesame oil

Directions

  1. Rinse whole lettuce leaves and pat dry, being careful not tear them. Set aside.
  2. In a medium skillet over high heat, brown the ground beef in 1 tablespoon of oil, stirring often and reducing the heat to medium, if necessary. Drain, and set aside to cool. Cook the onion in the same pan, stirring frequently. Add the garlic, carrot, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, sugar, and vinegar to the onions, and stir. Stir in chopped water chestnuts, green onions, sesame oil, and cooked beef; continue cooking until the onions just begin to wilt, about 2 minutes.
  3. Arrange lettuce leaves around the outer edge of a large serving platter, and pile meat mixture in the center. To serve, allow each person to spoon a portion of the meat into a lettuce leaf. Wrap the lettuce around the meat like a burrito, and enjoy!

Thanks-Giving

"Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!"


Kenny usually leads the family in Bible study each night, but he was out with Danny and Joey tonight, so at home we did it 'Mom Style'.  That's where we each choose a passage of scripture, read it aloud, and say why we chose it.  Tonight Sammy chose the above passage from Psalm 107.  After talking about thanks-giving for a bit we decided to go around the room and give thanks to God, and not ask for anything.  I told the kiddos that I know there are many things to ask for, but they will have to wait until tomorrow.  Tonight we just gave thanks to our wonderful Lord. 
The time was so sweet.  I had a room full of half-cranky, sun-warmed, exhausted young ones who had just come home from 4 days of camping with half our church.  What wonders thanks-giving does for a worn-out soul! 
Remembering His works are so sweet and life-giving.  And besides that, He deserves our gratitude!

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Our Favorite Baby

Kenny and I snuck out for a walk in the park tonight (oh, the joys of having built-in-babysitters!).  The weather was perfect and Kenny had some fun trying out the camera on his new phone.  This picture makes me smile.  I'm so very glad God brought this baby to us!

Friday, August 10, 2012

Joey's Home!

Yesterday I got to go and pick up my son from the airport!  It was so good to see him after three weeks.  He had all kinds of things to talk about, and he made some good friends.
It was so amazing- when he realized I had brought Buddy (Michael Jude), he just oohed and awwed over him again and again. 
He came home and slept, then ate and talked, then slept some more.  Our home is full once more.
And here he is being mauled and adored by some of his fan club.

Simple Pleasures

I remember when our little family first moved to Colorado. Kenny and I had a 4 year-old, a 2 year-old, and an almost 1 year-old.  The move was exciting in every way.  We were here to help plant a new church, we were on an adventure in a new place, and were on our own. And yet many days I found myself wishing for home.  One particularly home-sick day, the boys and I were awakened by a strange sound.  Well, yes, there are always strange sounds when you have little boys, but this was even stranger.  I went to the window and yelled for the boys to come quickly.  Outside the back of our home were 3 or 4 amazingly cheerful hot-air balloons, slowly making their way through the Colorado sky.  We found such pleasure in that morning, I'll always remember it.
And this morning, almost 14 years later, Kenny asked me to take Danny to work, and as the 2 of us were pulling out of our cul-de-sac, we were surprised to look up and see a couple of absolutely gorgeous hot-air balloons floating through a cloudless blue morning sky.  What a perk to our morning!
On my way home, I thought of all I had to do today (no surprise there).  And then I thought of my Emma, who was resting on the couch.  A smile crept across my face as I thought...And after I pulled into the driveway, I ran into the house and grabbed Emma (the only one awake), and off we went to chase the balloons.
Time Alone with Mom or Dad is Rare in this Family!


When we got home from our outing, it was time to make peach jam!  I had bought 50 pounds of peaches last week, and today had to be the day!
Box #1 of 2

Ellie, Ready to Add the Pectin


Ready to Freeze!

Smooey Couldn't Wait to Try it!

Natty just kept licking the jam off his bread and spreading more on.  And yes, they did have a healthy lunch beforehand.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Dressing the Octopus







Littleton with Friends

Last week after we dropped Sammy off at his Constitutional Literacy class, we had the chance to go to the Littleton Museum with our friends, the Webb's.  The museum is free, clean and well-kept, and just a lot of fun for any 'olden-days-lovers'.
It was a beautiful summer day, a little cooler than many we've had so far, and we so enjoyed our time.
Our Modern-Day Kiddos at a Historical 2-Room House
The Wagon Masters...
...And Their Lovely Little Passengers
Colorado Skies
Good Buddies
Such a Sleepy Baby
As we got into the van to leave, Michael got hungry, or something.  Here he is chowing down on his foot.