• 04.03.2008 Easy Shrimp Paella
    3 Comments

    I love to watch the Food Network while I work out at the gym. Paula Deen is unbearable for me to watch as every episode includes something fried with a drizzle of butter on top and a side of heavy cream. Southern cooking, you know. Barefoot Contessa, however, provides endless inspiration for me to cook fresh and European. I drooled over Ina’s Easy Lobster Paella the other day, and today adapted the recipe for dinner using shrimp. My husband, who was in Spain in January, claimed my paella was every bit as good as the real thing. I found it flavorful and subtle. Think of it as the fried rice, or the bibimbap of Spain… Easy Shrimp Paella adapted from Easy Lobster Paella, by Barefoot Contessa 1/4 cup good olive oil 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (2 onions) 2 red bell peppers, cored and sliced into 1/2-inch strips 2 […]

    Print Friendly
    Print Friendly
    » Continue Reading
  • 03.31.2008 The Dangerous Book
    3 Comments

    All of you who know me know that our family resents the television. Not that any of us, including the toddler, aren’t mesmerized or enticed at times by it’s many charms and kitschy pageantry of eye candy. We would just rather do anything–talk, learn, explore, play, look at each other–than sit in front of the tube. So, our six year old’s birthday present from friends fits perfectly into our entertainment paradigm. He received a copy of The Dangerous Book for Boys. You can find a good overview of the book here. Caleb asked me why the book was called “Dangerous.” I told him that if he learned all the information and how to do everything in the book, he’d be one dangerous boy. That fueled his fire. He is now making plans to grow crystals. construct a bow and arrow, properly skin a rabbit, and build a tree house. Needless […]

    Print Friendly
    Print Friendly
    » Continue Reading
  • 03.27.2008 Yardwork
    One Comment

    Isn’t it great when your kids still count it a privilege to pull weeds and work in the yard? It’s so amusing that they choose to deadhead, prune roses, and remove last year’s leftover growth over going to the park. Either we have little botanists or we are so overdue to work in the yard that labor in the sunshine is but novelty and bliss.

    Print Friendly
    Print Friendly
    » Continue Reading
  • 03.25.2008 Pink and Brown
    5 Comments

    Isn’t pink baby toile just too cute? And so chic with the chocolate brown trimming. “L” is for Lilly, or Lillian Belle, who was born on Easter morning to Nichol, who will now be breastfeeding in style and discretion. Welcome, Lilly!

    Print Friendly
    Print Friendly
    » Continue Reading
  • 03.22.2008 His Wounds Have Paid My Ransom
    7 Comments

    How Deep The Father’s Love For Us by Stuart Townend How deep the Father’s love for us, How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure How great the pain of searing loss, The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the chosen One, Bring many sons to glory Behold the Man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, Call out among the scoffers It was my sin that helf Him there Until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart […]

    Print Friendly
    Print Friendly
    » Continue Reading
  • 03.19.2008 Turning Six
    9 Comments

    Caleb, my eldest, turned six today! Not only could he read his own cards this year, he was mature enough to understand our family’s conscious decision to move away from having a big birthday party each year. Being that I am a cake-decorating, favor-making, theme-executing, party-loving kind of Mama, I was initially concerned we would lose something of the specialness in shifting our focus at birthday-time. To our surprise, Caleb was agreeable and even excited about the prospect of spending a day together as a family. We started our day off early by catching the train downtown with Grandma and Grandpa for breakfast at Gold Street Caffe. The affordable 10-minute ride one way satisfied our little train-lover, and still felt special. We then walked 14 blocks or so to the zoo, where Jiu Jiu, Jiu Ma and Calla joined us. We caught the train back, and all had lunch at […]

    Print Friendly
    Print Friendly
    » Continue Reading
  • 03.18.2008 The Circle
    5 Comments

    The 18th of March, 2008. My two best friends from college, Tara and Joni, will each remember this day for the rest of their lives. For one, the day was marked by death, while for the other, birth. I was honored to hold one’s hand in person, and yet both in prayer. My friend, Tara, said goodbye to her dad today after an unexpected five-week battle with pancreatitis. I sat and cried with her at the hospital as the surreal experience of losing her father slowly settled in for both of us. The Lord brought her father to salvation during his battle in the hospital, leaving Tara, her brother, and their mother at peace with his Homecoming, though heartbroken over the loss. Yet, in the midst of the sadness, both Tara and I took respite in a text message from Nashville announcing that our friend Joni’s baby was on his […]

    Print Friendly
    Print Friendly
    » Continue Reading
  • 03.14.2008 The Price of Beauty
    8 Comments

    After a grueling twenty months of keeping Judah from becoming wise to the way of the sucker, I acquiesced to the Great Clips Lady for the sake of a fetching haircut. Doesn’t he look charming already?

    Print Friendly
    Print Friendly
    » Continue Reading
  • 03.11.2008 Just Thought You'd Like To Know…
    31 Comments
    » Continue Reading
  • 03.10.2008 Learn by Paradox
    5 Comments

    How I have been encouraged by new music from Sovereign Grace Ministries! Valley of Vision is a collection of songs inspired by the classic book of Puritan prayers. I have found great refuge in the truths reflected in the first cut, “In the Valley.” You can listen to part of it here. In the Valley by Bob Kauflin based on “The Valley of Vision” by Arthur Bennett When You lead me to the valley of vision I can see You in the heights And though my humbling wouldn’t be my decision It’s here Your glory shines so bright So let me learn that the cross precedes the crown To be low is to be high That the valley’s where You make me more like Christ Let me find Your grace in the valley Let me find Your life in my death Let me find Your joy in my sorrow Your […]

    Print Friendly
    Print Friendly
    » Continue Reading
  • 03.08.2008 Aprons and Such
    6 Comments

    My husband is heading home tonight after spending a week at the Shepherd’s Conference in Los Angeles. While I am more than eager for the return of his help and companionship, I am thankful for the encouragement and teaching he receives each year this first week in March. He stayed the first and last night with our dear long-time friends, Jon and Lyss, who live in Orange County. I whipped up some last minute gifts for their three adorable little girls–matching frilly aprons for helping momma in the kitchen. I used the same fabrics in Lyss’ apron for her birthday in January. Is there anything sweeter than a child “helping” in the kitchen? My little Liam not only helps me with dinner, but runs his own gourmet kitchen upstairs! He recently checked out The Children’s Quick and Easy Cookbook from the Library. It is awesome! Judah loves it as well.  […]

    Print Friendly
    Print Friendly
    » Continue Reading
  • 03.04.2008 Easy Seared Ahi
    Easy Seared Ahi
    7 Comments

    Those of you who find that your paychecks go directly to diapers and groceries will understand that going out for sushi is rare. Pun intended. We have tried taking our children out for sushi…remember? For the time being, it is not economical, nor emotionally feasible. But since a child’s palette is so influenced by early exposure, we’ve incorporated this recipe into our family’s “special occasion” rotation. The kids love it, minus the wasabi of course… Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna olive oil sesame seeds salt and pepper ahi tuna steaks one large handful of fresh spinach per serving sushi rice prepared wasabi or make your own paste with wasabi powder soy sauce sugar rice wine vinegar Prepare rice as directed. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a gentle boil. Parboil fresh spinach in batches by dipping the spinach in the saucepan for only 30 seconds. Immediately run cold water over […]

    Print Friendly
    Print Friendly
    » Continue Reading