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!!!
About Me
- Matt, Mel, Josh and Caleb
- We've lived alot of places including S.Korea, Seattle and San Diego. We've liked all the places we've been, but we like our current home the best! We now live in a great town with fabulous people that appreciate the value of hard work and a kind word. Its tough to find that type of place anymore. So with that said, we enjoy taking road trips, working on our house, growing our garden, attempting new recipes, and just hanging out as a family pursuing new and old hobbies, and spending time with our families. We have lots to be thankful for, and hope to share a glimpse into that here. Visit often, sit awhile and leave a comment!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
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?
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?
Monday, March 14, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, March 11, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
thankful tuesdays
Going to try something new...
Today, I am thankful for...
My Children!
Joshua, has begun to have very deep conversations with me about life and God. I love learning scriptures with him, and he is so motivated to keep learning. Like any other kid, he struggles with the sin nature that we are born with. He has been learning about Adam, Eve and Noah. While learning about these first humans in the Bible, he is beginning to understand the corelation between the relationship with a Holy God and how our sin nature gets in the way. As a mom, I enjoy reading Bible stories with him, and hearing his thoughts and insights. I'm reminded of what it says in Deuteronomy 6:5-9 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." This verse commands parents that their everyday lives reflect their own relationship with God. Its so easy to get swallowed up in all the distractions that our lives offer. I love technology, but its also my greatest enemy.
My youngest son, Caleb, is very much in the toddler stage of his life. He speaks new words every single day. Yesterday, he impressed us with his ability to say "spungbb" which is short for Spongebob... and today it was "Biblstdy" short for Bible Study. He's sometimes irrational, and other times the most loving little boy. He may not understand all the Bible stories that I am reading to his big brother and he may not fully participate in our conversations, but he's observing our reactions, and responses. He watches closely as I respond to his big brother in challenging situations. He waits to see how I will respond when he doesn't get his way. These are all moments where I am leaving a valuable imprint on his heart, and showing him how much he's loved by me and ultimately by God. I am thankful for all the differences in Caleb's personality. I am thankful for the way he pulls my face to his and kisses me.
I am a blessed mama, who is thankful for these little boys that I get to raise! What an honor! I will return to this post later when things get a little chaotic, reminders of the good are important!
Today, I am thankful for...
My Children!
Joshua, has begun to have very deep conversations with me about life and God. I love learning scriptures with him, and he is so motivated to keep learning. Like any other kid, he struggles with the sin nature that we are born with. He has been learning about Adam, Eve and Noah. While learning about these first humans in the Bible, he is beginning to understand the corelation between the relationship with a Holy God and how our sin nature gets in the way. As a mom, I enjoy reading Bible stories with him, and hearing his thoughts and insights. I'm reminded of what it says in Deuteronomy 6:5-9 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." This verse commands parents that their everyday lives reflect their own relationship with God. Its so easy to get swallowed up in all the distractions that our lives offer. I love technology, but its also my greatest enemy.
My youngest son, Caleb, is very much in the toddler stage of his life. He speaks new words every single day. Yesterday, he impressed us with his ability to say "spungbb" which is short for Spongebob... and today it was "Biblstdy" short for Bible Study. He's sometimes irrational, and other times the most loving little boy. He may not understand all the Bible stories that I am reading to his big brother and he may not fully participate in our conversations, but he's observing our reactions, and responses. He watches closely as I respond to his big brother in challenging situations. He waits to see how I will respond when he doesn't get his way. These are all moments where I am leaving a valuable imprint on his heart, and showing him how much he's loved by me and ultimately by God. I am thankful for all the differences in Caleb's personality. I am thankful for the way he pulls my face to his and kisses me.
I am a blessed mama, who is thankful for these little boys that I get to raise! What an honor! I will return to this post later when things get a little chaotic, reminders of the good are important!
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