• 02.23.2009 Leftover Ham n' Lentils and Ice Cream
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    Not together, of course.   Lentils are a good-for-you legume that is easy to prepare, and difficult to mess up.  Here are my basic instructions for fabulous lentils in a crock pot: Dump  a bag of lentils 4-6 cups or so water or broth, depending on how soupy you want it 1-2 cans diced tomatoes with juice about 2 cups diced carrots about 2 cups diced celery one chopped onion 2 minced cloves of garlic one leftover ham bone a cup or two diced leftover ham one really good squeeze of KC Masterpiece BBQ sauce (squeeze must last a good 5 seconds) couple shakes of oregano, basil, Lowry’s Seasoning Salt, blackening spices, etc. and a scant tsp. of brown sugar into a large crock pot, and cook on high for 7 hours or until lentils are at the desired mushy-tensity. The kids love it with cornbread and honey. And what do […]

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  • 02.21.2009 First Sunday
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    I’m just now getting around to posting about our church’s first Sunday in the new facility.  It was a special day, and everyone was filled with thanksgiving and personal ownership as we prayed and praised God for the provision of this new place of worship.  Here are some pictures from last Sunday:

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  • 02.18.2009 Proof
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    In the spirit of keeping things real around here, I proudly present you with proof that presentation is not, in fact, everything.  Flambéed s’mores brownies caught on fire under the broiler this evening, resulting in this lovely dessert for company: And, here it is after a quick extinguishing and makeover: May the record show that I can even ruin brownies!

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  • 02.17.2009 Mango Pudding
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    The mango is so versatile, especially when beckoning Spring to pull up a chair and stay awhile. This sweet and fleshy fruit makes quite a splash alongside a midsummer’s tilapia, while taking on an altogether different characteristic in a traditional Indian lassi. In recent years, the mango has found its way into the Chinese dim sum menu in the form of custards and puddings. If you ever find yourself in a Chinatown, you must try some…or if you are local, this restaurant offers a suprisingly refreshing version. And, for those of you who may have a few ripe mangoes lying around, today is your day–enjoy! 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin 3/4 cup sugar 1 cup hot water 3 cups pureed fresh mangoes 1 cup evaporated milk 8 ice cubes fresh mango slices for garnish, optional Add gelatin and sugar to hot water and mix until dissolved and smooth. In large bowl, […]

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  • 02.13.2009 when my sweetheart makes me lunch
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    …on his day off:

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  • 02.11.2009 The 2 Year Old Likes Phonograms Too!
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    Our oldest attends Oak Grove Classical Academy, where phonograms are taught using the Spell To Write and Read curriculum.  We homeschool three days a week, and review these phonograms using a cd.  Number 3 is always asking to do “a, A, ah.” If you are local, and are interested in a classical, Christian, homeschool/traditional school education for your child, we are taking new registrations now for the 2009-2010 school year!

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  • 02.09.2009 church. home.
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    Hmmm…did I mention that after 3 1/2 years of church planting in a gymnasium of an elementary school, our church will be moving into a new location of its own this coming Sunday?  Perhaps this minor event has escaped my blogging radar as it’s been an all-consuming church and family affair.   Having a permanent residence means no more weekly set-up for church out of a small trailer.  It means a place to gather at a moment’s notice. It means our children can have snacks, and our grown-ups can have potlucks.  It means that folks can find us, and look forward to meeting Christ the following Sunday.   And, yet…some things remain the same.  We will continue to focus on the Word, and not on entertainment. We will continue to be simple, opting for good stewardship over excess.  We will continue to love intimately, knowing the Gospel in action is […]

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  • 02.02.2009 if these eyes could speak…
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    Dear MaMa, Thank you for making such rich meals that send me into a milk coma. And for talking sweet to me in the middle of the night. For sacrificing some leisurely freedoms in order to keep me on schedule. For kissing my neck even though it’s often stinky from being a “cheese factory.” For shielding me from the rough and tumble games and the thundering noises as my brothers circle around me all day long. For singing to me. And for the ice cream you had earlier. –Stone Dear Stone, It’s my pleasure. I’m your MaMa. –MaMa

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