My sister-in-law and I had great ambitions of sharing our recipes together on a blog, but it just hasn't happened. Maybe one day. For now, I'm moving a few favorites over here. Enjoy this one, it actually sounds good to me today. I may even try it for dinner. Anyone interested in coming over?
Yummy Pita Chicken
Marinate Chicken Breast in lime, cilantro and garlic
Grill and dice
Brush pocketless flat bread with butter
Place on grill to warm
Shred Lettuce (I like romaine)
Sauce:
1 small plain lowfat yogurt
1 small light sour cream
seed and dice 1 cucumber
dill (optional)
lemon juice
Friday, September 26, 2008
Ma and Pa
Little House in the Big Woods
By Laura Ingalls Wilder
We started this delightful series this morning with the kids. Now I am no longer momma, I'm ma, and when Jason walked in they screamed, "Pa's home." Ella found her oldest looking dress (from Target) and Harper stuck with her new princess dress given to us from a friend.
The stories are rich, but also very humbling. The girls only had one doll each, and one was made of a corn cob. Oh, the excess of my home. The girls cherished those dolls. And this book for me deepens my desire for a farm. It is something I often pray for with the girls. Not a big farm, but a quiet place with room to run, places for animals and a huge garden. I don't see Jason having any desire to hunt bears. But one never knows. Preacher turned hunter. I've seen stranger things in this town.
Well folks, it's time to check on the crackling's and render the lard. Bless you.
By Laura Ingalls Wilder
We started this delightful series this morning with the kids. Now I am no longer momma, I'm ma, and when Jason walked in they screamed, "Pa's home." Ella found her oldest looking dress (from Target) and Harper stuck with her new princess dress given to us from a friend.
The stories are rich, but also very humbling. The girls only had one doll each, and one was made of a corn cob. Oh, the excess of my home. The girls cherished those dolls. And this book for me deepens my desire for a farm. It is something I often pray for with the girls. Not a big farm, but a quiet place with room to run, places for animals and a huge garden. I don't see Jason having any desire to hunt bears. But one never knows. Preacher turned hunter. I've seen stranger things in this town.
Well folks, it's time to check on the crackling's and render the lard. Bless you.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Classical Conversations
My Thursday mornings are fast becoming my favorite of the week. I originally was super anxious about my role as tutor when I found out I was pregnant. Actually the first week, on my way to CC, I stopped six separate times to be sick. I promise, this is not a post about how sick I feel.
Keeping busy alleviates the nausea for me. The best way I have found to keep busy is to teach the youngest group of kids at a homeschool co-op called Classical Conversations. It's a great program that I highly recommend.
I have taught in many capacities from high school to elementary, but I have never taken on the challenge of young children. Well, other than my own sweet faces. No, I have eight children all varying ages of four and five that greet me every Thursday to memorize things I don't even know. I chose this age due to the fact my shy daughter presides in the group. It was a way to be close and involved and present for her but in a different capacity than she normally functions with me. The result has been great. She is clearly the youngest in the group, but she's taking ownership. Of all things, she's enjoying Latin the most. I would have never thought.
This group is made up of five sweet boys and three darling girls. They have kind hearts and are eager. Eager really is the word. Eager to learn.....sometimes. Eager to share stories about critters....definitely. Eager to give hugs....my favorite. I could call it work, but really, it's a privilege. It is the three hours I have each week where I don't have the benefit of feeling sick. I'm too busy enjoying the busy little people God has put in my life.
Keeping busy alleviates the nausea for me. The best way I have found to keep busy is to teach the youngest group of kids at a homeschool co-op called Classical Conversations. It's a great program that I highly recommend.
I have taught in many capacities from high school to elementary, but I have never taken on the challenge of young children. Well, other than my own sweet faces. No, I have eight children all varying ages of four and five that greet me every Thursday to memorize things I don't even know. I chose this age due to the fact my shy daughter presides in the group. It was a way to be close and involved and present for her but in a different capacity than she normally functions with me. The result has been great. She is clearly the youngest in the group, but she's taking ownership. Of all things, she's enjoying Latin the most. I would have never thought.
This group is made up of five sweet boys and three darling girls. They have kind hearts and are eager. Eager really is the word. Eager to learn.....sometimes. Eager to share stories about critters....definitely. Eager to give hugs....my favorite. I could call it work, but really, it's a privilege. It is the three hours I have each week where I don't have the benefit of feeling sick. I'm too busy enjoying the busy little people God has put in my life.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Traditions
It's amazing how peaceful a tradition can be. Cooking for my family rejuvenates me, excites me and brings me great joy. More than that, the tradition of eating together around our table deepens my contentment and peace. Being sick lately, I have made the meal but often was too sick to join the family around the table. Tonight was the exception. Our happy meal of leftovers included the entire family with a candle and fresh lavender to boot.
Our one family tradition is to take turns asking each person the best part of their day. We encourage our children to ask dinner questions at the table to encourage polite conversation. Most often when it comes to my turn I always answer, "right now is my favorite." Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder, because tonight reminded me what a gift my family together truly is. The meal was nothing special...vegetable soup, toast with avocado, apple sauce and conversation. No other place on earth could have tempted me tonight.
What is your family tradition you couldn't live without?
Our one family tradition is to take turns asking each person the best part of their day. We encourage our children to ask dinner questions at the table to encourage polite conversation. Most often when it comes to my turn I always answer, "right now is my favorite." Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder, because tonight reminded me what a gift my family together truly is. The meal was nothing special...vegetable soup, toast with avocado, apple sauce and conversation. No other place on earth could have tempted me tonight.
What is your family tradition you couldn't live without?
Monday, September 22, 2008
Jealousy
I envy my husband being able to eat. I envy others feeling normal. I am hungry and everything looks nasty, smells nasty, and feels bad inside of me. Not very much is coming out of me....which is mostly why I feel so badly. I don't sleep. I am being ultimately tested in the kindness department, and I'm not doing "everything without complaining or arguing." (Phillipians 2:14)
I am glad I am pregnant. I'm glad to know another child will enter the family. I love kids, but I'm not so great at this pregnancy stuff. I saw Amy Puller last night on the Emmy's and thought of how big I will shortly be. I want to cherish this last pregnancy....but is it okay that I'm not really having a good time yet? I'm not really a fan of perky people right now, or cheerleader types. Mostly, I am tired of being tired and sick. I want to be doing better at school with Ella. I want to enjoy the first day of Fall. I want to remember this so I won't do it again. I will happily adopt more children, but it is so hard taking good care of my children now, whilst feeling so badly.
Sorry you had to hear this.
I am glad I am pregnant. I'm glad to know another child will enter the family. I love kids, but I'm not so great at this pregnancy stuff. I saw Amy Puller last night on the Emmy's and thought of how big I will shortly be. I want to cherish this last pregnancy....but is it okay that I'm not really having a good time yet? I'm not really a fan of perky people right now, or cheerleader types. Mostly, I am tired of being tired and sick. I want to be doing better at school with Ella. I want to enjoy the first day of Fall. I want to remember this so I won't do it again. I will happily adopt more children, but it is so hard taking good care of my children now, whilst feeling so badly.
Sorry you had to hear this.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
I miss bloggy world
Exodus 18
I have looked at this site every day for the past week. I want to write, I think of what I want to write, but alas, I'm too crumby and sick to write. I don't want to sound like Eeyore, so I refrain from writing.
This morning I read through Exodus 18 when Moses was visited by his wonderful father-in-law. Oh to have a man like him in my life. Actually....I have a lot of people like him in my life. People that tell me my plate is too full. People that tell me specifically how to pull back from doing too much, being too involved, too everything. But unlike Moses, I suppose I don't listen. So it's not the fault of those who love me well, it's mine alone.
Humbled and praying where to pull back. Sick, tired mama is good to no one. My no muscle has just always been so weak. Pray for me in this season of my life. I know a lot of you already do.
I have looked at this site every day for the past week. I want to write, I think of what I want to write, but alas, I'm too crumby and sick to write. I don't want to sound like Eeyore, so I refrain from writing.
This morning I read through Exodus 18 when Moses was visited by his wonderful father-in-law. Oh to have a man like him in my life. Actually....I have a lot of people like him in my life. People that tell me my plate is too full. People that tell me specifically how to pull back from doing too much, being too involved, too everything. But unlike Moses, I suppose I don't listen. So it's not the fault of those who love me well, it's mine alone.
Humbled and praying where to pull back. Sick, tired mama is good to no one. My no muscle has just always been so weak. Pray for me in this season of my life. I know a lot of you already do.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Second Drafts and Sassy Pants!
I am so slow at adding my favorite places to daydream! Home blog of two of my old camp friends, I enjoy reading their insights on a daily basis.. Check them out, one is always good for a good laugh and one for a big thought. I will say they both have done both at different times. Great honest writing. Enjoy!
Oh Woman of Little Faith
Exodus 16
Wow, what an eye opener of a chapter. I see myself in the women gathering too much manna for their family. They had little faith of the Lord's provision that came new every morning. EVERY morning, not for a week, a month or a year. He provided new manna for 40 years in the dessert.
I would have been the one at year 39 wondering if it would come again in the morning. Jason is always reminding me how often and uniquely the Lord has provided for the needs of our family. It's as if a day of needs causes me to forget. The cost of doing school myself, doing fun, educational activities, and providing for ever growing needs of children leaves me with little faith. Today I am going to place my fears and worries about our daily needs before the Lord. He is much better equipped to handle our needs than I am. I will choose to forget my worries and trust in His provision. May you grow in faith in this area of your life today.
Wow, what an eye opener of a chapter. I see myself in the women gathering too much manna for their family. They had little faith of the Lord's provision that came new every morning. EVERY morning, not for a week, a month or a year. He provided new manna for 40 years in the dessert.
I would have been the one at year 39 wondering if it would come again in the morning. Jason is always reminding me how often and uniquely the Lord has provided for the needs of our family. It's as if a day of needs causes me to forget. The cost of doing school myself, doing fun, educational activities, and providing for ever growing needs of children leaves me with little faith. Today I am going to place my fears and worries about our daily needs before the Lord. He is much better equipped to handle our needs than I am. I will choose to forget my worries and trust in His provision. May you grow in faith in this area of your life today.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
A Troubled Heart
Matthew 5-7
Every season of life has trials of their own. Right now our family is facing trials on many kinds. I just returned home last night not a moment too soon. I so enjoyed my time with my grandma and grandpa, mom, sister and brother and many nieces and nephews in Indiana. It was filled with sadness and joy.
I have a peace about my grandma that I didn't have when I left the last time. Truly, I don't think she will be much longer in this world, but soon will be in the sweet presence of Jesus. She told me when I went home for my Aunt Helen's funeral that she was jealous of her sisters that have gone before her. She told me she was ready to die. I know she is ready now that she knows her only love (my Grandpa Homer) knows the Lord.
Grandpa does not want to be without her....I can only imagine. The only way I can describe what this world will be like without Grandma Lakes is that a certain amount of joy will leave with her. This world will not be as bright as it once was to me without her. I am thankful for the remaining days she has left, and she could have many. Only the Lord knows the length of our days. I am so grateful for the many days and years I have had with this special lady.
Trials of many kinds awaited my return. It was hard to be away for many reasons. The routine of home life gives me so much strength that I don't even realize. I have time reading my Bible every morning. Time to talk with Jason and sort out many feelings and hurts. We have time counseling friends from church with the support of many around us in prayer. Hearing news from home without all this support was difficult. I felt that I was without my armour. Though I know the Lord was very present with me in Indiana, I felt ill equipped to support those hurting in my life without my daily time in the word. That said, it's good to be home.
When I feel out of sorts....like I certainly feel, I love to read the Sermon on the Mount. I read it on the plane home yesterday. I was overcome with peace. I love the direction it gives. It is clear, true direction for today. If this morning sickness would just pass. We have had a great morning catching up in school, even if I have the yucks.
I have also missed the great care of my husband. I know he must have been so tired. It didn't stop him from making me feel so missed and important. He and the girls made a lovely dinner, he gave me my nausea medicine and put me to bed. I don't deserve such a man! Thank you Jesus for not giving me what I deserve, but what your generous love had planned.
Every season of life has trials of their own. Right now our family is facing trials on many kinds. I just returned home last night not a moment too soon. I so enjoyed my time with my grandma and grandpa, mom, sister and brother and many nieces and nephews in Indiana. It was filled with sadness and joy.
I have a peace about my grandma that I didn't have when I left the last time. Truly, I don't think she will be much longer in this world, but soon will be in the sweet presence of Jesus. She told me when I went home for my Aunt Helen's funeral that she was jealous of her sisters that have gone before her. She told me she was ready to die. I know she is ready now that she knows her only love (my Grandpa Homer) knows the Lord.
Grandpa does not want to be without her....I can only imagine. The only way I can describe what this world will be like without Grandma Lakes is that a certain amount of joy will leave with her. This world will not be as bright as it once was to me without her. I am thankful for the remaining days she has left, and she could have many. Only the Lord knows the length of our days. I am so grateful for the many days and years I have had with this special lady.
Trials of many kinds awaited my return. It was hard to be away for many reasons. The routine of home life gives me so much strength that I don't even realize. I have time reading my Bible every morning. Time to talk with Jason and sort out many feelings and hurts. We have time counseling friends from church with the support of many around us in prayer. Hearing news from home without all this support was difficult. I felt that I was without my armour. Though I know the Lord was very present with me in Indiana, I felt ill equipped to support those hurting in my life without my daily time in the word. That said, it's good to be home.
When I feel out of sorts....like I certainly feel, I love to read the Sermon on the Mount. I read it on the plane home yesterday. I was overcome with peace. I love the direction it gives. It is clear, true direction for today. If this morning sickness would just pass. We have had a great morning catching up in school, even if I have the yucks.
I have also missed the great care of my husband. I know he must have been so tired. It didn't stop him from making me feel so missed and important. He and the girls made a lovely dinner, he gave me my nausea medicine and put me to bed. I don't deserve such a man! Thank you Jesus for not giving me what I deserve, but what your generous love had planned.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Sick and Excited
Well, another baby, another rich blessing. It has been hard to wrap my mind around having four children to love, but it was always our desire to have a big family. We have just been trying to be in control of when each of these little ones came. It makes me laugh. Just last month Angela, my sister-in-law, told me if you are to have more, you will.
She knows. She was done at three, then she found herself pregnant with twins. If God's grace is sufficient for her, I know it will be for me as well. I was told once that worry is looking at the future with only yourself in it. That trying to imagine how details will work out without the grace that is given to sustain us through our trails is vain. I believe that. I may not be able to figure out the details of all the children, but I know the details will work themselves out with a load of grace to manage. I'm really being broken of my desire to control things. I'm just trying at this point to keep my food down and my words kind.
If you think of it, please pray for my Grandma. I'll be headed home this weekend. She fell and hit her head. They have decided not to do surgery to remove the blood on her brain. I'm headed to the farm on Thursday to spend time with my Grandma and Grandpa.
She knows. She was done at three, then she found herself pregnant with twins. If God's grace is sufficient for her, I know it will be for me as well. I was told once that worry is looking at the future with only yourself in it. That trying to imagine how details will work out without the grace that is given to sustain us through our trails is vain. I believe that. I may not be able to figure out the details of all the children, but I know the details will work themselves out with a load of grace to manage. I'm really being broken of my desire to control things. I'm just trying at this point to keep my food down and my words kind.
If you think of it, please pray for my Grandma. I'll be headed home this weekend. She fell and hit her head. They have decided not to do surgery to remove the blood on her brain. I'm headed to the farm on Thursday to spend time with my Grandma and Grandpa.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Pregnancy Salad
Okay, I'm pregnant, but I think my reader knows that already. Tonight I made a yummy salad, but I think I may be the only one going to eat it. It looks too great. I just finished a bowl before I wrote this down and dinner is half an hour away.
Pregnancy Salad
Romaine Hearts
Cabbage
Basil
Beet Greens
Apple
Mango
Sweet Southern Dressing
Mayo
Honey
Apple Cider Vinegar
Cilantro
I think I may be eating this alone. Would you eat it? It's totally okay, I really don't feel like sharing.
Pregnancy Salad
Romaine Hearts
Cabbage
Basil
Beet Greens
Apple
Mango
Sweet Southern Dressing
Mayo
Honey
Apple Cider Vinegar
Cilantro
I think I may be eating this alone. Would you eat it? It's totally okay, I really don't feel like sharing.
Miracle of all miracles
It is hard to wrap my mind around what Moses did as they fled Egypt. It is easy to look at the faith of Moses, but as I study the covenants of God, I realize it is the fierce love of God toward His people that caused the victory. Imagine Moses stretching out his hand to draw back the seas.... His heart must have trembled at the awesome power of God.
I am thankful that I was represented in the passage.
Exodus 14:11-13
"What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness."
How many miracles had the people of Israel seen on their behalf, and still they had no faith. I am thankful for the unfailing pursuit of the Lord on behalf of His people. Can you imagine the increase of faith that happened as they passed through the water? I wonder if the wall of water broke their hearts as they passed through? I wonder if they felt compelled to repent of their grumbling, untrusting, faithless hearts?
I would love to have the faith of Moses, but alas, I'm the one who is walking through the water and complaining about being tired of the long days hike. The Lord has provided so much for our family in so many areas of our lives, but I complain about the manna. I do not deserve to be called a child of God, but He has set His unfailing, unchanging, fierce love on me...? I cannot comprehend it, but I certainly am thankful for it.
May the Lord bless you, and may we be quick to repent of our grumbling complaining hearts when His ways are not our ways. I am weary of my lack of faith, but He moves the seas on my behalf to grow and sanctify, even me.
Humbled to be counted today.....Kara
I am thankful that I was represented in the passage.
Exodus 14:11-13
"What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness."
How many miracles had the people of Israel seen on their behalf, and still they had no faith. I am thankful for the unfailing pursuit of the Lord on behalf of His people. Can you imagine the increase of faith that happened as they passed through the water? I wonder if the wall of water broke their hearts as they passed through? I wonder if they felt compelled to repent of their grumbling, untrusting, faithless hearts?
I would love to have the faith of Moses, but alas, I'm the one who is walking through the water and complaining about being tired of the long days hike. The Lord has provided so much for our family in so many areas of our lives, but I complain about the manna. I do not deserve to be called a child of God, but He has set His unfailing, unchanging, fierce love on me...? I cannot comprehend it, but I certainly am thankful for it.
May the Lord bless you, and may we be quick to repent of our grumbling complaining hearts when His ways are not our ways. I am weary of my lack of faith, but He moves the seas on my behalf to grow and sanctify, even me.
Humbled to be counted today.....Kara
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