Random Selection of Summer Photos

Joshua and I made chocolate cookies, and he was enjoying watching them bake.

Joshua and I had to make a trip to Seattle for a follow up appt wih his dr. at Children's hospital, we decided to make a fun day of it, and had a mommy/son date which included his and my favorite food: SUSHI!

Caleb is constantly making me laugh, he found one of my headbands and obviously he knows how its supposed to be used! LOL

just a cool shot of a bouncy ball my kiddos were playing with.

My boys doing one of their favorite activities, playing bouncy ball in the hallway.

Catching up: Mother's Day

Nothing warms a Mom's heart like seeing her youngest lean over and hug the oldest, considering that my youngest is usually going after his big brother!

 We took a drive on Mother's day to a little town that we enjoy visiting, and the best part was that hardly anyone was there, which allowed us to have the entire patio to ourselves... the kids had a great time, and we were able to enjoy the meal!

 I love taking photos of bridges, my mom and I share the photography gene!

 My sweet lil one, he's up to something I'm sure!

wordless wednesday

Sometimes waiting for Mommy to get your shoes just takes too long! So using hers works instead!

 Most amazing organic red table wine I've ever had! :~)

A few more kiddos joined me for my usual trip to Dutch Brothers today!

A Surprise Party for Joshua's 6th Birthday! :)

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY JOSHUA!!!!!

80th post ~ happy list saturday...80 things I'm happy about!!!!

For my 80th Post I decided to do something different.... list 80 things that I'm happy about!!!   thank you Natasha, for doing this, I love this idea!!!

1. My husband
2. My kids
3. dark chocolate mixed with fruit
4. Coffee
5. new shoes
6. new wallets
7. 5 calorie drinks
8. playdates
9. laundry all done
10. Girls night out
11. New music on the ipod
12. pj pants
13. chick flick
14. air - popped popcorn with cheese on it
15. a good read
16. long drive with beautiful scenery
17. useful appliances in the kitchen
18. homemade ice cream
19. wet bags
20. tape adapter for my ipod
21. earbuds
22. pretty necklaces
23.take out
24. family
25. onesies
26. portable dvd players
27. homemade bread
28. friends who send quality chocolate after an argument
29. clean sheets
30. stain removers that actually work
31. people that actually understand me
32. friends with a sense of humor
33. words with friends game
34. easy and delicious recipes
35. my minivan
36. my cell  phone
37. texting
38. blogging
39. facebooking
40. soft kleenex
41. sudafed
42. zyrtec 
43. naps
44. funny movies
45. cooking shows
46. rock style worship
47. trader joe's
48. goat cheese
49. kindle app
50. funnel cake
51. taco trucks
52. target
53. old navy
54. dutch brothers
55. health insurance
56. DVR
57. HULU
58. Netflix
59. roses
60. lilacs
61. homegrown tomatoes
62. Dahlias
63. sippy cups
64. reusable coffee cups
65. coffee stamp cards
66. sense of humor
67. children playing together happily
68. dishwashers
69. washers/dryers
70. vacuum cleaners
71. wine
72. apple wood smoked pork
73. McDonald's play area
74. double stroller
75. cute bags
76. antique stores
77. gyros
78. electric blankets
79. mom agenda planner
80. my Bible app on my phone

Happy Apple Blossom

Happy Apple Blossom,

Our town, has an apple blossom festival each year... today is the kids parade... and I will be sure to add some photos later of the fun we'll be having.  There are so many fun things to go see and do, and its a big deal here.  Enjoy your saturday!!!!
Be watching for my Happy List Saturday, which will be my 80th post!  I decided to write down 80 things that I'm happy about!

Melissa

Food Friday: Black Bean and Corn Enchiladas...

This dish is a favorite that I enjoy preparing as a great freezer meal and for friends.  Its an easily modified dish that I've made lots of modifications to from my original recipe.  Originally, the recipe came from my mom, and I have adjusted it by adding black beans and corn to it, which I found in a magazine awhile back.  I kept the creamy ingredients of my mom's recipe, added black beans, corn and use enchilada sauce to coat the bottom of the pan and to top the enchiladas with.  As a result it yields more pans of food than if I do it the original way.

Here's the Recipe:
2 cups of cooked chicken (shredded) usually I cook this in the crockpot
16 tortillas
2 cups of shredded cheese
2 cans of black beans
2 cups of frozen corn
16 oz of Sour Cream
2 small cans of cream of chicken soup
green onions
16 oz can of green or red enchilada sauce
1 can of diced jalapenos

Preheat the oven to 375*  Coat the bottom of your pan with enchilada sauce.  Combine chicken 2/3 of the cheese, the black beans rinsed and drained, the corn, sour cream, soup and 1/2 of the green onions chopped, 1/2 the enchilada sauce (you might need more or less depending on how much you want to use in the mixture, i sometimes end up opening another can in order to coat the bottom of the pan), and the jalapenos.  Scoop 1/4c of the mixture into tortillas and lay them in the dish however you like.  Once the dish is full of rolled tortillas, pour enchilada sauce over the tops of the tortillas.  Sprinkle cheese over the top, and cover with nonstick foil, or spray foil with a nonstick spray to keep it from sticking to the melting cheese.  Cook for 30 min at 375* 

Thursday Thoughts: How the Theater prepared me for MOTHERHOOD!

So today in the midst of the chaos, that I call motherhood, a thought came to mind....all those years that I learned how to act, and perform on stage, was all really just preparation.  I spent a few years learning the ropes of acting, working the backstage props, and working with other actors. At the time I just thought I was doing something that I enjoyed and learning some new things along the way.  It was a great experience that I really enjoyed! I loved getting on stage, (HUGE SHOCK) and I never really experienced being nervous.  I actually enjoyed the adrenaline rush that comes with performing, unlike those who it terrified.  Those years were preparing me for something much bigger. 

You see, in the course of a single day, most moms deal with a fair amount of drama that is comparable to actors and their tantrums. All you moms out there of toddlers, I can hear you through the internet shouting, AMEN!  Often tantrums make no sense... and can really send mommy into swirling chaos, I'm sure much like those who try and meet the requests of actors, that can also at times, make no sense.

We are responsible for multiple costume changes throughout the day.  Most of these costume changes are meal related.  Once that tantruming child refuses to wear a bib, its inevitable that a costume change will follow. My own costume change usually follows as food transfers from toddler to mommy, and then mommy realizes this a little late.  Mommy doesn't notice until she runs into her friend at the grocery store and sees the horror on the friends' face. This friend has children too young to throw tantrums and never ever will because her child is an angel.  Its also not uncommon to walk out of the house with additional fashion add-ons, that aren't fashionable at all, like stickers in places that you'd never wear them. (*thanks G for that story)

The worst costume changes are necessary when you are on a road trip, out for the day etc... and the skill alone that this requires, deserves a medal all its own... perfectly titled, "completed diaper and clothing change while hunched over the back seat of minivan, straddling bags and toys, because we are in the middle of nowhere and its 30* outside"

Only skilled actors can differentiate between cries of pain and cries of discontent. Moms have to know that difference, and also know how to throw in a some comedy on occasion.  Impromptu skills are required.   I think most moms would agree that motherhood requires us to do a little bit of acting ourselves at times, usually for the benefit of our children.  So as you can clearly see, the theater really did prepare me for motherhood, at least that is what I think!  What has prepared you for motherhood?!?

wordless wednesday... SPRING!!!!

SPRING!!!!

 NEW SHOES ARE NECESSARY IN THE SPRING!!!!

NEW FLOWERS IN THE SPRING

 MESSY EATERS STILL ABOUND in SPRING!!!

 QUIRKY EXPRESSIONS of SPRING!!!

 SPRING PHOTO OPS!!!

 EASTER BUNNY DELIVERIES!!!

TODDLERS ARE NOT A  FAN OF PHOTO OPS!!!

Music Monday

I love this song, and after further research found that the story behind it is also inspiring and incredible.   Enjoy!!!

Happy Easter! He is Risen!!!! Thank goodness!!! :)

Thank you Francesca at Small Bird Studios for this photo!

My 1st Blog Award :~)

I received my 1st Blog Award from Rachel, who is a close friend of mine, and she has supported me through some of life's challenges...
The rules for receiving the award are simple (only 4)and the rules are...

1.Link back to the person/s that gave you the award.
2.Award other bloggers the award-- (15) I only had 10, recently discovered bloggers.
3.Contact the bloggers that you have awarded to let them know that they have won.
4.Tell 7 things about yourself

1. Jen, is a close friend whom I adore... she's a busy mom to 5, but she does it so well and acts like its easy as pie!
2. Rachel, love her. She's so transparent and honest about how she's feeling through her loss, and I think that is so great!
3. Pauline, she speaks openly and honestly about her walk with God.
4.Michelle, She shares the things her family is doing. I love hearing about her homeschooling adventures.
5. Rachel, also a good friend who I don't get to see a whole lot of, but that inspires me to be a better mom and wife!
6. Katie, I just love her updates, when she does them... she is a great seamstress and does alot of cool things! I even have a wallet that she made :)
7. Katy, because I love the concept of what she's doing with her blog!
8. Francesca, i love her style and layout of her blog!
9. Lauren, she has experienced so much loss and pain, but we love Biblical names for our kids.
10. Elaine, She's a close friend and she's starting her blogging journey!

7 Things about Myself...
1. I love lots of different forms and styles of music.
2. I love dark chocolate, but really do not eat it unless I'm PMSing ;)
3. I have an addiction to stuff that periodically changes as fast as the wind can shift.
4. I love technology, and especially my cell phone and all its apps. If I go somewhere without it, I experience small doses of panic! LOL
5. I love learning new languages, and really enjoy speaking them. I know a little of about 2 addtl languages.
6. I am a coffee addict! I think I'm mostly addicted to the ease of driving somewhere and having my coffee made for me...
7. I'm imperfect but saved by Grace and I have a relationship with Jesus. I'm thankful for his death on the cross that keeps me from being separated from the Creator God.

Happy List Saturday

I'm joining in a blog hop.... this is my first Happy List Saturday, but it likely won't be my last!  I love the concept because it helps to keep me focused on the positive in my life.  So thanks Natasha for the blog hop, and thanks Rachel for letting me know about it in the first place... Today my list is short and sweet, but covers the top things that make me happy...

God: Knowing that our Father God, sent his only son to live on earth and then die for us, so that we could one day have fellowship with God in Heaven is something worth being happy about!  My son and I were talking about this yesterday, because its easy for a 6 yr old to get confused about Easter.  All the distractions like candy, the easter bunny, etc, creates a need for discussion....but these are the discussions that I really love to have, and that actually makes me happy! 

Family: I am blessed with wonderful family.  I love that my in-laws live close enough that they get to be here this weekend to celebrate Easter with us! I love when they drive over the mtns to visit, I love cooking for them and I love the way my kids adore them.  I love having a husband who works hard to provide for us, and also was outside this a.m. at 6:50 spraying for weeds...he keeps our yard in tip top shape and we yield a wonderful garden and gorgeous flowers all summer as a result. 

Changing Seasons: I ABSOLUTELY love the changing seasons.  Yesterday, here where I live, the wind finally died down.  It has been warming up steadily and has allowed us many trips to the park... but yesterday was GORGEOUS!!! Today, is promising to be even more beautiful which is exciting since we are headed out on an Easter Egg Hunt today!  I love when the weather switches from cold and boring winter to awesome and beautiful Spring! 

Coffee:  Even with the joy of family here, early rising means coffee is necessary.  As I'm sipping my first cup, my husband asked me if I still wanted him to pick some up from a stand later, and of course I replied, yeah this is just the start of my day! LOL   Anyone who knows me well knows that I have a love affair with coffee.  I just love the warmth and the aroma.  Its so comforting to just sit with a mug and feel its warmth and breathe in the aroma.  Mmmmm.... time for another sip.  

Egg-citing!!!

 When my friend Gina, invited me and my boys over to decorate eggs at her house, I was really excited.  She was too, and then we realized how fast our boys were done with decorating, we laughed.  It was a blast and the boys are close in age so they really enjoy spending time together.  Gina and I have fun talking and laughing. 

 After decorating eggs, and eating lunch the big boys were outside, so the little boys sat down to watch a movie and as you can see they were very occupied by it.

 This really made me laugh... all the boys gathered around a portable dvd player... boys will be boys!

What's in a Name? Blog Hop

Rachel at http://alastingfootprint.blogspot.com is doing a blog hop for her 80th post, this is my 70th post and that makes it even more fun to participate....

My living children's names are pretty straightforward and the explanation of how I came to name them follows... and for the children that I lost, I believe that God has given them their names... and He has shared them with me. I have listed all of my children in birth order.

JOSHUA MICHAEL- Joshua means: Salvation, and Michael means: Who is like God? I'm sure this relates to him right now,and I have a few theories about his life purposes. His middle name is after my husband's dad, and we chose to use it to honor him. I have always loved the name Joshua, mostly due to the verse in the Bible that is found in Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." I've always loved that verse, and the name Joshua. At the time that we became pregnant with Joshua, we were living in South Korea. Knowing that God was with us 'wherever we were going' was particularly relevant to us at the time. So deciding the name of my firstborn son was easy for me. The day he was born was an emotional rollercoaster, and fear could have easily set in. After almost losing our precious son that day, its good knowing that God has called us to be strong and courageous. That we can count on HIM to be with us always. My son is sweet in spirit and really loves others. He has always had an attractive tenderness about him that attracts people to him. I know that God has placed this in him, to be used for His glory, I can't wait to see how it unfolds!

JOHANNA and JOHN: my twins that I lost at 7 weeks pregnant. Johanna means: God is Gracious... and even though I know she's with Him in Heaven, I fully believe that He is Gracious! The name John means: God is Gracious! The loss of my twins was hard, but I know that God was gracious to me even in the loss of them. Looking back, I'm not sure I would have been able to raise twins in the midst of all the chaos life has thrown my way. So its true that God does not give us more than we can handle. We might come close to breaking and feeling like its too much, but He knows our capabilities and our boundaries.

GABRIEL- who I lost at 8wks pregnant,  his name means: God's able bodied one. I know that now in Heaven, Gabriel is able bodied, and whole. I never got the chance to meet him either, but I look forward to the day that I do. Losing Gabriel was much harder a loss for me than I would have ever imagined it would be. I felt settled, ready, and prepared. Losing him meant that my 'perfect' plan was not perfect. I knew that God had a plan and that is the only way that I got through this loss. I can imagine that this able bodied boy is running around Heaven causing his own fair share of ruckus!

CALEB JAY- Caleb means: whole-hearted and faithful. Jay means: happy, chattering like a blue bird. These words and meanings are a perfect description of Caleb. He is whole-hearted, full of emotion, happy and quite the chatterer! Jay is my father's name and we wanted to honor him as well. I love having named my sons with some heritage, they will never forget who they were named after. When we found out that we were having another boy, my biggest fear at the time, I knew that Joshua's name was special. I felt that God put the name Caleb on my heart and reminded me of the scripture in Numbers 32:11-12 "Because they have not followed me wholeheartedly, not one of those who were twenty years old or more when they came up out of Egypt will see the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob- not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua the son of Nun, for they followed the LORD wholeheartedly.

It was my desire that, my sons would have a story to refer to, anytime when things got tough, or difficult. I wanted them to have namesakes that reminded them of the positive outcome of our obedience to God. In Joshua 14:13,14 "Joshua blessed him. He gave Hebron to Caleb son of Jephunneh as an inheritance. Hebron belongs to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite still today, because he gave himself totally to God, the God of Israel." Whenever the Bible reiterates a point it tells you how important it is, because it is spoken of again in Deuteronomy 1:35,36 "Not a single person of this evil generation is going to get so much as a look at the good land that I promised to give your parents, Not one except for Caleb son of Jephunneh. He'll see it. I'll give him and his descendants the land he walked on because he was all for following God, heart and soul." My children's names are all Biblical, because I want leave an inheritance through their names. Our names often represent how others view us, and what we believe about ourselves throughout our lives. I hope that by naming my children, in the way that God led us; that we are leaving a legacy of faith in God and a trust in his goodness. So what's in a name? A WHOLE lot!

Wordless Wednesday

One month apart in age, Caleb and his friend Georgia, are rocking out at the swings at Smallwood in Peshastin, WA

OREOS make the world go around to a 6 yr old and 2 yr old right?

My Son has done very well this year in AWANAS and he's so proud! I am too!

Happy Mama!!! My children were quiet in the car, thank you snacks!

This is my, I NEED COFFEE, BUT I HAVE NOT HAD A SHOWER YET, and my HAIR is a MESS HAT!

thankful tuesday

Today I think my thankful Tuesday post need to be about how I'm so very thankful for oreo cookies. Now that you might be laughing uncontrollably on the other side of a computer screen, that was my whole intention...what is it about a simple cookie that brings about such joy and rejoicing? Its the versatility of such a cookie. Some dunk it, some open it and eat the middle, all in all its a cookie that works for everyone and everyone is happy! Perfection.

adding injury to insult: a rant...

Have you ever felt completely misunderstood? I have! I know I'm not the only one! We've all felt that way from time to time... the worst thing though is when you open yourself up to others and then someone who knows you well hurls insults your way. Its bad enough to be frustrated about something but then to have someone make you feel worse... that's not cool at all. Ever notice how hard it actually is to forgive someone when they hurt you, but worse when they are a close friend? There is a super fine line between forgiveness and protection. Boundaries are equally important to forgiveness. Its important to establish healthy boundaries with others especially if their own boundary lines aren't clear. Over the past few months of my life, I'm learning to establish some healthier boundaries with those that have hurt me in the past. In the world of facebook and twitter its easy to blur the lines of appropriate boundaries and so forth. So in the past few months, I've made efforts to draw some lines in the sand in regards to friendships. All I can say is that I'm definitely happier as a result.

Music Monday

I am truly a music enthusiast... and I am learning that if I do not get some time each day to listen to some music then I'm really grumpy. Seriously, steer clear of me until I've had some music time to myself. I am rejuvenated by the lyrics and melodies. Today, I downloaded a few new tunes, at an amazing price. I absolutely love AMAZON, because they keep featuring $5 albums. Mostly, they are great albums... no complaints from me! Today, I downloaded the Gungor album, and the newest Brandon Heath album. Two completely different styles, and yet both very good! Gungor is a mixture of classical and alternative. They have some great sounds that they incorporate together to make a truly funky and fun sound. Brandon Heath has been a fave of mine for awhile also with his deep thoughts that bleed into the lyrics. Haven't had enough time today yet to really enjoy the new album that I've downloaded, but I'm sure that I will find the time at some point this week, and I'm very excited about it! Somewhere between the needs of kids, husband and house I often forget to fullfill the need that I have for just relaxing and listening to music that just feeds my soul. Sounds dramatic, but its really the truth. I am a much happier mommy right now, and changing that poopy diaper won't be nearly as challenging, and the laundry that now awaits me will also feel a little less overwhelming! :)

Wordless Wednesday

Thankful Tuesday... those who see me for who I am and will be not for who I might be temporarily

Over the past few days, God has used some friends in my life to remind me that I am loved. I am thankful today for the friends who have come along, that some even for a short season have been there when I needed them most. One of my high school teachers, reminded me today of my positive traits, and that was the best sort of reminder. It really blessed me in a way that I'm not sure he even will realize. I strongly believe that God brings people into our lives for relationship at just the appropriate times to move us forward and to encourage us in the ways that we need. For me, this high school teacher made himself available to me. I knew that I could tell him anything. He taught me so much about the Bible and then later on I got to be his TA and let me tell ya, this was a big deal. Everybody wanted to be his TA :)He also was there for me in times of loss, like the time I lost the race for class president. He knew how bummed I was and was able to lift my spirits. Till this day we still joke about the time he pulled a fast one on me... and was falling out of his chair laughing so hard! ;) Those were good times... and later on when I went off to college, he sent me off with the most hilarious care package. The only item that I recall and still own, was a huge metal flashlight that he explained the benefits of as being: will light your way, and will double as a weapon against male assailants.
When I met my husband, he of course asked all the questions about this guy. He wanted to know if Matt had large portions of the Bible memorized, because of course I did... NOT! well our friends think the best of us right? So he just wanted to make sure that my future husband would be equally yoked. He approved, and came to speak at my wedding, and this was a great feat. Because, my teacher/friend/confidant actually arrived with a bad stomach ulcer, but you wouldn't know it! He acted like everything was fine, because he didn't want to taint my day in any way.. What a guy!
When we decided to return to the U.S. after living 3 yrs abroad, my husband was able to apply to the same place of work as this friend.
Neither I or my teacher at the time knew how much we would continue to affect one another lives. Even though we don't talk often, there have been a few moments where God has continued to use us to pray for each other and each other's families. I am thankful today for a teacher who saw a student, decided to invest in that student, and now is continuing to enrich my life and the lives of many others.

An Angry Gallbladder... and a THANKFUL heart

Last week, my blog was neglected as I started having increased problems with my gallbladder. I spent Wednesday evening in the E.R. not feeling well, and getting the worse IV poke of my life. Came home with strong meds to help alleviate the pain, and by Friday morning I was back in the E.R. sicker than on Wednesday night. By 1pm on Friday, I was laying on a gurney in the O.R. feeling scared and uncomfortable. At 3:20, I woke up in the recovery room, all too aware of my post-surgery discomfort, sore throat, and pain in areas I didn't know. I was home by 5:30pm that night, and resting as comfortably as possible. My favorite part of the whole day was when the surgeon referred to my gallbladder as "angry" LOL indeed it was. It wanted to jump ship, and fast!
Once again, I was reminded at what great friends that I have. My friend Rachel was awesome and cared for my kids all day. By the time I was out of surgery she had already arranged meals for my family. My friend Gina, took care of Joshua all afternoon on Saturday, which he thoroughly enjoyed! These women who are bringing me meals have done so many times before. They have really embodied what the church is supposed to be in real life. I am thankful that they are going out of their way to bless me in this time of need. I hope that I will be able to return the favor to them someday. Thank you Rachel, Gina, Sharon, Leana, and Jen. All of you are such a blessing to me, thank you for all that you are doing, even in the midst of caring for your own families. Not a single one of you is bored by any means... and you still find time to care for others. THANK YOU!!!

My husband has been amazing as well, he has had to step right into the role of childcare, laundry, housecleaning, and he's doing awesome! The boys are enjoying all the extra time with Daddy, and I'm catching up on shows and books. Everyday, I'm able to do a little more, but I am only able to be on my feet for a few minutes at a time. Hopefully, that will improve over the next few days... and since I'm being so well taken care of by my husband and friends, I'm sure I'll be 100% by next week!!!

thankful tuesday

This week, I am most thankful for my home. In light of last week's earthquakes, and tsunamis, I am thankful for the shelter that I call my home. I know that its easy for me to forget what a luxury my home is. My family has beds to sleep in, and warm place to be when its cold out, and a cool place to be when its hot out. Its difficult to even relate to the kind of tragedy that has unsettled thousands of people on the other side of the pacific. The only time in my life where I experienced true fear of my home being in danger was when we were living in San Diego. At the time, there was a bad 'santa ana' which is high, hot winds. In the course of a week, there was a ring of areas that were on fire, and we were in the middle. Sadly, many people did lose their homes, and it was a hard time for San Diego county. We weren't in any real danger, but we were warned to be prepared. The air was so badly polluted that leaving the house was not recommended. Being stuck indoors, led to lots of news watching and that led to fear.
As I think about the people of Japan, my heart is breaking for them. I cannot even imagine how all the mothers and fathers feel as they look for shelter to keep their children safe and warm. Worse, the feeling of total displacement, not knowing where to go, or where your family is, or if they are even alive. We all know that the repair is going to take a long time. In my thankfulness for what I have, I hope to find a way to support the people of Japan in a way that will help, even in a small way.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

Music Monday: Kari Jobe

To kick off music mondays... I'd like to first talk about my newest favorite music artist. Kari Jobe, is one of my favorite musicians... her music is passionate, true, and encouraging. I recently had the joy of handing out about ten of her CDs to some friends and family. Her music speaks about the truth of our Father's love for us. Her honest lyrics remind me that I am a daughter of the King, and that He loves me in a way that no one else can. In one of her songs, she sings about how God is singing over me... how often do we forget that the very God of the universe has created each of us down to our very last detail. In Psalm 139, we are told that God knit us together in our mother's womb. He didn't just speak "be born." which He as God could have done. No, instead He decided specifically to take care of each detail, and he knows every hair on our head.

I've gone on a bit of a tangent here... but the point is that Kari Jobe's music reminds me of the truths that are often forgotten in the humdrum of my life. When things don't go the way I wish that they did, or the kids are particularly wild one day, I can listen to her CD and quickly be reminded that even in the midst of my daily chaos... there is a God in Heaven, watching and even delighting in me.

Food Friday: Cassoulet...

I recently acquired this recipe from the man who was our best man for our wedding... he posted a pictorial recipe on his Facebook page, and it looked so amazing, I just had to try it. I snapped some photos along the way too, and so here they are... along with the recipe...

Start by soaking beans overnight, or bringing to a boil and allowing ample time to sit in the hot water, 1 hour is recommended but I think the overnight method yields more tender beans, if that is important to you.

Sear and season, chicken, pork, bacon, sausage (didn't use that this time, but will next time) Remove from pan, conserving the grease for the vegetables.

Saute vegetables, onion, celery and carrots, until translucent...deglaze pan with white wine. Combine all ingredients back together, in an oven-safe dutch oven or crockpot. Add chicken broth, and preferred spices... I used a bay leaf, a can of tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, orange peel, salt and pepper.

Cook for 2- 2 1/2 hrs at 350* Allow the dish to rest for 30 minutes before serving. Best served with crusty bread, and a glass of white wine.