A Girl and Her Ketchup

Sometimes there seems to be so very little of me in Lillian's looks and personality; so, when it comes down to it, I find I treasure the little things....the very little things.

Ham & Lentils...Tres Gomi Style

Yes, I finally had the inclination (and required leftover ham) to make Ruth's Ham & Lentils...or at least a resemblance of it. I find I'm not terribly in favor of following recipes in that either I am rather prideful in thinking I must certainly know a better way, or simply rebellious in that a recipe is not my dad and cannot tell me what to do. So, I decided to scrounge the fridge and freezer for ingredients that might make a decent imitation, if not replication, of Ruth's soup. I'm about to dig into my first bowl and it looks delicious. I used split peas and lentils, since I had leftover 1/2 bags of both, put a can of cream of celery in with two cartons of chicken broth instead of water and a ham bone. The other ingredient swaps are escaping me at the moment (since apparently, I am also of a mind to not write down my personal creations). I have also tried Jill's curry lentil soup but Paul has requested that I omit the curry from future attempts. So, lesson learned: lentils are delicious and agreeable when properly applied to soup. Second lesson learned: over-browned (usually called burnt in every kitchen but my own)cornbread makes an even better soup mix-in.

Home Ec. Project

In my efforts to cut the family grocery budget we have implemented a vegetarian night, sandwich night, and a fairly regular left-over night. This has blessed me with opportunities to get creative in the kitchen as convincing a meat'n'potatos man that food can exist without a slab of flesh making up it's core. (Paul has been wonderfully supportive, but 'eggplant sandwiches' is a stretch for him) So here brings me to my 'Eleanor 'of cuisine: lentils! I have long since held a desire to conquer these wonderful food-ish items, but haven't discovered a way to make them palatable to Paul in a, clear your plate and ask for more, sort of way. Any ideas? I'm up for soups, side dishes, etc. so please post away! I'll let you know how the results turn out...

Conquer the Impossible...

Yes, this is us with our three toddler/babies at a restaurant during the evening rush. What was once normal is possible yet again!

Thanksgivingness

This year I am so thankful for precious babies, black olives, wonderful family and 3 hour car rides spent in conversation...

Dance Like No One is Watching

Exibit A

'Tis the Season...

...To sweep carpet?

When They're Grown...

Growing up, a family friend made a yearly prediction of the professions her six children would take up. In the spirit of that sort of fun, I think I will take up the same hobby. And since I only have one child, I will start the process by including my pups as well. (yes, I see that eye roll, and I'm still gonna' do it)

Logan: If she were human, she would be a hotel critic. Nobody can spot luxury like this dog! If there is only a scrap of fabric on a tile floor, Logan will do her best to curl her 50 lbs. onto the remnant, pushing the envelope on any law of proportion. She would be an ace at spotting the latest in sumptuous extras.

Titus: He would be a bouncer. He's more of the strong silent type who likes to be in the corner watching the room. He keeps an eye on things and is the first to respond if he senses something is amiss. He also shows quite a preference to the ladies.

Mercy: I'm not sure Mercy would be anything different. If she were a human, she would wish she were a dog. Sleeping in sunny window sills, eating baby table scraps, and snuggling in laps seems to suit her just fine.

Lillian: I think Lillian will be a cruise director. She loves water, people, attention, and entertaining. When we were in California at the Wild Animal Park, we let her play in a water area set up for kids and other visitors were actually stopping and watching her like she was an exhibit at the park! She didn't mind it one bit.

That's it for my 2009 predictions. We'll see what the new year brings...

Oh, to Have an Ocean in Albuquerque...

Wave Charge!!!...backwards

My Water Babies

OK, so the scientist has two sets of arms.

Maybe she's a radioactive particle scientist~thus the four arms.

This Dolphin kept playing with Lillian. She would stay by the glass, blow bubbles and watch for Lillian's reaction. So very cool to watch!
* * * * *

Apparently 'water-love' is genetic. We took Lillian to her first beach visit (something she has repeatedly asked for since returning home) and couldn't keep her out of the water! Paul would set her down on the beach and she would turn tail and do her polished one-year-old sprint into the waves. What a blessing it was to share some of God's amazing creatures with Lillian! His creativity and perfection in each design astounds me; and to see my child get such enjoyment out of the things that fascinate Paul and I was truly wonderful. So, aside from almost missing our plane home and having to sprint through the San Diego airport with a baby, and things that accompany such a person, the trip was a perfect way to restore and rest our family. I'm beyond grateful for my wonderful child who thinks such sprints are highly amusing, and a husband who is hoss enough to run with a child, carry on, etc. for extended periods of time.

Bla-Dow means Bla-Dow in Bla-Dowanese

Title! (To be said with a dramatic operatic singing voice) Titus was 4 & 0 in his recent AKC trial, walking away with 4 blues, 4 Q's, and 2 Title Ribbons. Not a bad weekend! It all means he has achieved his Novice Title and come next season will be competing in Open. I'm hoping to get his Master's before he turns Senior (7 years old) which only gives me two more years. The pressure's on!!! (ps. at the trial they ran out of blue ribbons so two of Titus' blues are missing from the photo.)

Pray Like A Potty-Trainer

Yes, it's true. My 16 month old -soon to be teenager- has begun showing major signs of 'potty-training readiness' and has thrown my simple life into a home-bodied, potty-bound version of a 'drop your diaper and sprint for the nearest toilet' sort of existence. It is consuming to say the least. Tumultuous to say more. We have been 'officially' potty-training for 3 days and I'm proud to say Lillian is showing incredible progress and I'm showing an even more remarkable reaction time to the word 'poopy'. It slightly belittles ones existence to realize life currently revolves around excrement, but I have surprisingly learned a fascinating lesson on prayer. And no, I don't mean 'Lord, please let us make it to the bathroom on time so I don't have to change my shirt again' sort of prayer.

Lesson #1: Be alert. Ephesians 6: 18 says, 'And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.' In my short career as a potty-training professional I have learned it is key to be alert. I have to look for signs, words, or traits in my little one's behavior that could elicit a mad-dash to the bathroom. It behooves me to be constantly aware and in a state of readiness. We are instructed in Ephesians to pray this way. We are to go beyond the questioning of a friend on how we can pray for them, and see, without their supplication, how we can intercede on their behalf before our Lord. LOOK for ways to meet their needs through prayer.

Lesson #2: Be constant. '...always keep on praying...'. The first day of potty-breaks every 15 minutes tries ones patience. But it pays off with wonderful rewards. The same follows for prayer. Having an intimate, constant connection with the One who designed, created, and sacrificed for you is an incredible gift and responsibility. But it ALWAYS pays off.

Lesson #3: Labor. In Colossians 4:12 Paul speaks of a man named Epaphras who 'always wrestled' in prayer so that the church of Colosse would be able to stand firm in the Lord. Potty Training has proved thus far to be a LOT of work. Carrying potty seats, wipes, hand disinfectant, and potty rewards around the house has proven to be less work than the entertaining, time spent on the bathroom floor, and 1/2 second dashes to a bathroom. It is a necessary work of time and patience that is for the benefit of my daughter (and my husband) that I am called to provide as the primary care-giver. We are the primary prayer-givers in our world; called and commanded to labor for our brothers, leaders, and the unsaved.

So, in final conclusion, and out of need to return my attention to the call of the wild in my daughter's case, I would encourage you all to Pray like a potty-trainer and be alert for opportunities to pray, to pray always for all people in all situations, and to labor in your prayers for others. Be blessed and well-trained!

When He Lavishes...

In the wake of great tragedy around me I'm reminded of how richly blessed I am. I have been thoroughly lavished upon by my Glorious Maker.

Lillian 'tickles'

So fun; so silly.

My beautiful family

Stepping Stones, Life Lessons, Tools, and Ramblings

Ruth was an incredible woman. Upon closer inspection via a MacArthur study, I have found her to have held a rare quality of earnest virtue in the realms of obedience, humility, and strength. It is soulfully refreshing to learn the ways of a woman not steeped in fashion gossip, divorcee' flings, or 'how I made it to the top' horror stories and I was deeply challenged by the hope, promise, and intentional living found in the life of Ruth. I wanted to share the deepest thought values I have carried away from my study, and hopefully challenge any readers in the same venue; if not now, then to plant a seed of knowledge that can be drawn from in a more pertinent stage of life.
1.) Ruth made the right choice. In chapter one Ruth had the option of returning to her family and the possible option of marriage, family, and ultimately security. She instead chose to stay with Naomi and endure the stigma of being a Moabite in a Jewish city. Why did she make this decision? I believe it was because in her time with Naomi she had come to know the One, True God. In making the choice to stay with Naomi she chose a woman who could continue to teach her the truths of the Bible, and she would stay away from the influences of a pagan culture through her family. More than a family, more than a life of security, more than what was comfortable and familiar to Ruth, she wanted God.
2.) Ruth was obedient. Time and again she was given direction and she obeyed without hesitation. I was forced to wonder if I had ever obeyed without a complaint, or a thought that what I had been asked (or told) to do was somehow not the best, or right way to accomplish the task. Ruth's simple humility spoke volumes to my stubborn, know-it-all heart.
3.) Ruth was diligent. Ruth 2:7 '"And she said, 'please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.' So she came and has continued from morning until now, though she rested a little in the house." I love how it says '...and has continued from morning until now,...'! Whether I am cleaning house, praying for my unsaved family members, loving my child or husband, I could easily apply Ruth's wonderful mental directive on 'continuing'.
There will be more on my thoughts of the book of Ruth but for now I will consider deeply my personal application tools for implementing Ruth's character lessons into my day to day. I always love to hear what others are studying and how the Lord is using their new-found knowledge to change their hearts and lives, so please share in a comment if you feel comfortable! For now, I will leave you with the blessing of Boaz: 'The Lord repay your work, and a full reward given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.' ~Ruth 2:12~

October Is...

Balloons and re-instated sweater wardrobes.

Pweesh!!!

I must confess that I have been hesitant to write of late. Why write when I can post a few pictures, make funny quips about said photographic situations, and save time for laundry or some other homemaking requirement? So, I post this as more of a plea, or a pweesh (please, for those of you who don't spend much time with a verbal, but not well enunciated one year old) for advice in the areas of cleaning, cooking, and other manifestations of mommy/wife-hood. Here's the sitch: I feel as if I am constantly in the kitchen, and yet it remains a mess! Other areas of my home frequently go unattended in my efforts to wash dishes, cook meals, feed Lillian, three dogs and a bird, and keep counters clear of all sorts of cluttering objects. My weekly reprieve, or catch-up day, is 'soup day', but I still rarely get past the kitchen or living room outside of one or two odd jobs. Any ideas on how to save time in the kitchen, or organize more efficiently so the rest of my home gets regular, if not weekly, attention? I'm up for anything you may think of. Do you have a great, quick casserole recipe? I'd love it! Have some theories on mopping, washing dishes or laundry that could save time? Post 'em! So, as I search for more time to post articles of greater interest to the populace, I'm looking forward to hearing every one's suggestions!

It's the little things...

...like little puppies.

(http://ihasahotdog.com/)

The September Edition...

Of what we've been up to...

We went to visit Paul's Grandpa in Kansas. We spent a lot of time in the pool.

We ate waffles all by our self and Mama played dress up.

Honey and Papa taught us silly games.

Lillian thinks Daddy's ring is pretty.

Mama and Eye-us (Titus).

Papa and Grandma came to visit.

With September almost over, I'm ready for balloons!