It’s been busy around here lately! With each thing that is going on, there is also a realization of God’s greatness and faithfulness in all circumstances… Our family’s been: Hosting a dear friend who is visiting with a baby :: ”It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 Getting over some illness :: He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” Isaiah 4:29 Researching and purchasing a new (to us) family vehicle to replace our totaled one :: “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’” Matthew 6:31 Confessing impatience and unkindness towards one another in family meetings :: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” James 5:16 …and soaking up the brisk, but sun-soaked Fall days. :: “For everything there is a season, […]
Have you ever had the Moroccan Chicken Salad at California Pizza Kitchen? It is to die for. It is the perfect Fall salad with it’s roasted butternut squash, beets, and dates. It’s an odd combination of flavors at first sight, but oh.my.word. is it good! I put my own spin on it recently, with ingredients I had available (which did not include lettuce!), and thought it might be worth sharing here. And, yes…it may appear an unconventional (and annoyingly loose recipe), but…you guessed it–it’s worth a try! Lightly blanched green beans (I used frozen) Roasted beets, diced Roasted diced butternut squash Roasted diced granny smith apples Diced fresh granny smith apples Pecans or sliced almonds Diced dried dates Champagne vinaigrette Blanch, drain and chill green beans; set aside. Roast beets: Lightly coat in oil, wrap in foil, and roast in over at 375F for 45-60 min., or until tender. Cool, […]
Pin ItFor some time now I’ve been giving each boy at bedtime what I call, The Long Hug. I’m not sure when it started, but I know why it did. I was usually doing dishes or working on the computer at bedtime while The Preacher would put the kids to bed, and I found myself giving quick kisses and only semi-present acknowledgements goodnight. Usually, I would often say, “Just go to bed…!” But then, later, after the house was quiet, I’d look back on the day and regret not giving more hugs, not offering more kisses, not saying more “I love yous,” not lingering longer at bedtime, to close out the day. So, now…we have The Long Hug. They’ve come to expect it, wait for it, soak it up. It’s the hug that lasts a good 30 count…and sometimes a minute or two. It’s the hug that pushes past the rushing […]
Boys who read missionary biographies + a dad who loves aircraft (and has a private pilot’s license) = a love for mission aviation. This past weekend, we had the rare privilege of meeting pilots who fly for JAARS (which stands for “Jungle Aviation and Radio Services”), an organization that provides technical support to advance Bible translation and literacy worldwide. We watched as a missionary pilot demonstrated special skills and tricks in the air. Number 1 was in heaven. It was a dream come true. And then, we told him that he and his brothers would get to take a ride in a Helio Courier, an aircraft that can handle the roughest, shortest airstrips in the toughest terrain. Number 1 really died and went to heaven. And then, his dad gave him the honor of riding right seat, complete with Dave Clark headset. Yup, you got it. He was barely breathing… And […]
10 phrases that breed discontentment: 1. I deserve… 2. why can’t I… 3. …I’m so tired of… 4. If only… 5. Someday… 6. …you never… 7. …why not now? 8. I can’t do this anymore… 9. …why me? 10. …why not me? 10 phrases that cultivate contentment: 1. In spite of me… 2. Because of His faithfulness… 3. …nevertheless… 4. …rejoice in the Lord always… 5. I’m so thankful… 6. …better than I deserve… 7. Today is the day that the Lord has made… 8. …Thank you… 9. …and you? 10. …because He’s always good. As one who is weak in my flesh, but triumphant in the Grace of God: I encourage you, friends, to let your lips direct your course toward contentment this day. Have a blessed Monday!
What? Did I hear you say that you just haven’t had enough of baby pictures this week? Well, I’m happy to oblige and end this week out with some more scrumptious baby love. Number 5 continues to love his mealtimes. And, while I am still serving up little heart cubes of pureed goodness, he and I both love a simply ripened avocado. He loves the rich, creamy texture. I love that it is no cook, no mess, and portable. So good for baby, so good for simplicity. He is so serious about his food!
So, I thought you might be amused to see my *mad* multitasking skills at work during the little photo shoot I shared about yesterday. It might look like I’m sweating and wrestling with a squirmy, sleepy 5 month old. You would be right! Babies don’t always do as you plan or do as you hope…but come what may, inconveniences included, there are few things worth celebrating as much as our little ones.
I have so much respect for photographers who do newborn sessions. It is not as easy as it looks…that’s why I never did one for my own Cinco! I had the privilege of shooting a friend’s newborn baby at 10 days old this week. Here’s a little preview of the shoot. Hopefully, these images will be a sweet memory of the first days of baby Luke’s life. I’m not sure I’d ever make it as a baby photographer, but it sure was fun!