Remember…. July 24, 2010

That Lime and Honey Glazed Salmon with Warm Black Bean and Corn Salad I told you about?  Well I made it and it was FANSTINKINGTABULOUS!!!

I’ll just post a few pics of the prep work:

Black beans, corn, onion, bell pepper, garlic, EVOO,cumin, S&P

Salmon, marinated in Lime and Honey

Add spinach, stir to wilt

VOILA!!!!

If you and your family like salmon…put this on your list of things to make….SOON!

What’s going on today July 22, 2010

Outside my Window: Children are playing, in their underwear.  Jasper is out  Neighbor is outside and everything.  They don’t care and I can’t say that I do right now either.

From the teacher’s desk: Our next topic for family night will be Cain and Abel.  I will be filling their folders with material relevant to that.  Also I’ll be using my “mommy resources” to get some math and language into them as well.

I am thankful for: Great friends.  I really value the relationships in my life and I am beyond blessed to enjoy some really great ones.  Jesus showed us how important great friends can be in our lives.  He lived with his friends. He shared meals with his friends. He loved his friends….and I love mine!

One meal on the menu this week:

Lime and Honey Glazed Salmon with Warm Black Bean and Corn Salad
Recipe from: Rachael Ray 365
by Rachael Ray

• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided use)

• 1 medium red onion, chopped

• 2 large garlic cloves, chopped

• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (1/3 palmful)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Juice of 2 limes

• 3 tablespoons honey (3 gobs)

• 1 teaspoon chili powder (1/3 palmful)

• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets

• 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped

• 1 (10-ounce) box frozen corn kernels, defrosted

• 1/2 cup chicken stock or broth

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

• 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

• 6 cups baby spinach

1. Preheat a medium skillet over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil (twice around the pan). Add the onions, garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.
2. While the onions are cooking, preheat a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. In a shallow dish, combine the juice of 1 lime, honey, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the salmon fillets to the lime-honey mixture and toss to coat thoroughly. Add the seasoned salmon to the hot skillet and cook until just cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
4. To the cooked onions, add the bell pepper and corn kernels and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the chicken stock and continue to cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Add the black beans and cook until the beans are just heated through.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the juice of the second lime, the cilantro and the spinach. Toss to wilt the spinach and then taste and adjust the seasoning.
8. Serve the lime-and-honey-glazed salmon on top of the warm black bean and corn salad.

I am wearing: A grey(gray) Mickey Mouse shirt and some blue pants

I am reading:  My heart’s at home: Becoming the intentional mom your family needs by Jill Savage.  So far so good.  I really like her writing style and she’s very matter-of-fact.

I am praying for: Friends and friends of friends.  And of course My Husband

Bible verse of the week:

Proverbs 21:13 NIV

Whoever shuts his eyes to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard

I am creating: Nothing =( I went to get yarn last night and the store didn’t have what I was looking for.  I’m going to try to hit up Micheal’s today.

Reflection of last weeks happenings: Ya know…I really just try to live in the present…ya dig? (translation: I haven’t had enough coffee to jog my memory)

One of my favorite things: A clean bedroom.  Particularly, my own.

What’s new with the children: They are quite the little adventurous buggers.  Lately they have been play acting like “Avatars” and Dragon Questors.  They make me smile.  Also, they have been making up “brother days” and writing sweet notes to each other letting each other know how much they are loved….melts mama’s heart.

Some pictures I’d thought I share with you:

A slug found on an expedition in the great backyard

Nemo had a go at the slug

He loves dressing up!

Jesus, the King July 21, 2010

This video was edited a tad, so I’m going to include the full transcript of his message:

The Bible says my King is a seven-way king

He’s the King of the Jews; that’s a racial king
He’s the King of Israel; that’s a national King
He’s the King of Righteousness
He’s the King of the Ages
He’s the King of Heaven
He’s the King of Glory
He’s the King of kings, and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King.
Well….I wonder, do you know Him?

David said, “The Heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork.”
My King is a sovereign King.
No means of measure can define His limitless love.
No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply.
No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings.
He’s enduringly strong.
He’s entirely sincere.
He’s eternally steadfast.
He’s immortally graceful.
He’s imperially powerful.
He’s impartially merciful.
Do you know Him?

He’s the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world.
He’s God’s Son.
He’s the sinner’s Savior.
He’s the centerpiece of civilization.
He stands in the solitude of Himself.
He’s august and He’s unique.
He’s unparalleled.
He’s unprecedented.
He is the loftiest idea in literature.
He’s the highest personality in philosophy.
He is the supreme problem in higher criticism.
He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology.
He is the cardinal necessity for spiritual religion.
He’s the miracle of the age.
He’s — yes He is — He is the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him.

He’s the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Savior.
I wonder if you know Him today?
He supplies strength for the weak.
He’s available for the tempted and the tried.
He sympathizes and He saves.
He strengthens and sustains.
He guards and He guides.
He heals the sick.
He cleansed the lepers.
He forgives sinners.
He discharges debtors.
He delivers the captives.
He defends the feeble.
He blesses the young.
He serves the unfortunate.
He regards the aged.
He rewards the diligent….and He beautifies the meek.
I wonder if you know Him?

Well, my King….He is the King!
He’s the key to knowledge.
He’s the wellspring of wisdom.
He’s the doorway of deliverance.
He’s the pathway of peace.
He’s the roadway of righteousness.
He’s the highway of holiness.
He’s the gateway of glory.
Do you know Him?

Well, His office is manifold.
His promise is sure….and His light is matchless.
His goodness is limitless.
His mercy is everlasting.
His love never changes.
His word is enough.
His grace is sufficient.
His reign is righteous.
And His yoke is easy, and his burden is light.
I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable — Yes He is!? He is God!
He’s incomprehensible.
He’s invincible.
He’s irresistible.
Well, you can’t get Him out of your mind.
You can’t get Him off of your hand.
You can’t out live Him, and you can’t live without Him.

The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him.
Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him.
The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree.
Herod couldn’t kill Him.
Death couldn’t handle Him, and the grave couldn’t hold Him.
Yea!!!, that’s my King, that’s my King.

Yes, and Thine is the Kingdom….and the Power….and the Glory….Forever….and ever, and ever, and ever — How long is that? And ever, and ever.

And when you get through with all of the forevers, then. AMEN!
Good God Almighty! AMEN! AMEN!

WHEW!!!  If you are not standing up in your chair, and shouting praise…I really don’t know what could possibly be keeping you in your chair!  I know that I have posted this on Facebook around Easter, but truth be told, I could listen to it every day.  There is nothing like dwelling on who God is to really put things in perspective.  Yeah, I’ve had a rough couple of days, but when I just take a step back, and look up and realize he’s ALL of that and more….my problems fade, my worries cease, my hurt subsides, his majesty shines, his words comfort, and his everlasting love sustains!!

GLORY!!!!  GLORY!!! GLORY!!!! What a sweet friend we have in Jesus.

Be encouraged readers….Jesus, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, loves you and has you in the palm of his hand!! WALK UPRIGHT and STRONG IN FAITH…HE WON’T LET US DOWN!!

Random Ramblings July 16, 2010

I’m procrastinating.  I should be cleaning my office but the children are all contentedly playing here with me and I thought if I’m going to blog, this may be the only chance I get today so I’m going for it.  I also have a ton of work to do, but I can’t do it unless I clean off my desk, and I’m not cleaning my desk because I’m procrastinating so, here I am.  LOL.  We are gearing up to get ready for school so I’ve been busy as a bee organizing & cleaning all things Westmoreland boys.  I’m exhausted.

Gotta go grab my coffee….

I’m going to take a page out of my friend Tara’s book and  use her “Daybook” series (Which I enjoyed reading Ms. Lady)

Outside my Window: There is a beautiful Boxer

From the teacher’s desk: We have been using tlsbooks.com as well as worksheetworks.com to help keep these little minds fresh on the summer vacation.  Surprisingly enough, they really enjoy it and I am so proud of them.  We are getting a jump start on next year.

I am thankful for: My life.  There are thinks about it I would like to change of course but all in all..I’m BLESSED.  God is so good to me.  He died so that I may live.  Anything else, is secondary.

One meal on the menu this week: Peach cobbler.  Okay, so it’s not a meal.  But whatever, I’m making it.

I am wearing: Pink Sweatpants and a white T-Shirt.

I am reading: I think I’m going to read Deathly Hallows again so I can brush up before the movie comes out in November.

I am praying for: My husband.  Clarity of thought, presence of mind, strength to handle daily tasks and stress. Patience to deal with me. Effectiveness in his role as a minister. Wisdom in his decision making for our family.

Bible verse of the week:

John 1: 1-3

¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²He was with God in the beginning.

³Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

I am creating: Nothing at the very moment, but this winter’s hats and scarves are soon to be on my crochet hook.

Reflection of last weeks happenings: Last week….hmmm…would it be really pathetic of me to look in my blackberry and get back to you on that?

One of my favorite things: A great cup of coffee

What’s new with the children: Christian is entering 3rd, Nehemiah heads off to 1st, and Ezekiel is going to Pre-K!  I can’t believe my children have reached an age where they will ALL be leaving the house for school!  I had a great time with them this summer, and I honestly will be sad to see them go.

Here are pictures I thought I’d share with you..

Jasper...Love this guy!

I've always had a thing for keychains...here's my newest addition

Ahhh....I can't lie and say I'll be sad to see these go on restricted access in a month.

For the record, I found them like this....;)

Stealing a few moments… July 3, 2010

Well hello there my little neglected blog…it’s been TOO long.

I’m not going to write some lengthy update, simply because I don’t want to nor do I have the time.

I’m just going to start with where I’m at today.  Sound good?

Well, I’m blessed. I’ve been in quite the contemplative mood lately.  Of course I’m always thinking but my heart has been hovering over a few topics.  Namely, I’ve been examining my walk and examining areas that I need to give up and surrender to God.   You see…I’m a bit of a control freak and while rationally I desire to give my life wholly to the Lord but at times it’s hard to do and so I struggle with that from time to time and I’m ready to make a more conscious effort to have this struggle be a thing of my past. It’s hard and I know I’m going to have to change and continue to change through this process but I am just trying to be ‘present’ and live in it and walk through it.  Of course…Mommy’s heart is always toward her children and my mind is always churning on doing the very best that I can for them and my family.  I think I can get a bit neurotic at times if I’m not too careful and I’m always wondering am I walking a good balance, that balance that all us parents seek to find in rearing our children, and always looking to improve.  My children, while they are not property, have been entrusted to me and are therefore a ‘possession’ (if you will permit me to use the word loosely)  I am seeking to honor them and God by dutifully seeing that I am always aware of where their little hearts are how and what I can do to mirror Christ’s example in my life and in our home.  I’m looking for ways to give them opportunities to serve the needs of our family by giving them some responsibilities here at home .  I’m busy researching ways/tools/resources purposeful in teaching  them and talking to them about our faith and what it means to be a part of  a Christian home and eventually becoming Christian men themselves.( They are 8,5,4…neurosis or purposeful planning and  thinking? You decide.)  But I know I need to find a healthy balance in knowing I can’t “plan” everything or “foresee” EVERY possible detail in their upbringing.  So yeah…that’s that.

Speaking of neurosis…I’m a bit of an organizational freak. I organize and re-organize things all the time and I find that I am most happy and feel more balanced when things are ‘ clean & organized” around me.  Now, I live with 4 males and a pre-teen girl…so you can imagine how off kilter and crazy I feel at times. I’m trying to let it go and understand ” the bigger picture” and that they are “just children” and I try very hard”do the best I can” but I’m just going to be vulnerable and ask for prayer.  I need balance.

Well that’s what’s on my mind today…off to have a GR8 weekend!!!!

Happy 4th of July! Stay safe!