From the Word

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Romans 8:25

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 3:8-9

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;

my hope comes from Him.

Psalm 62:5

  He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.

Proverbs 21:23



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Repositioned



Indian Fry Bread

A delicious alternative to tortillas that will probably cost you more calories. Think extra thick and fluffy chalupa.

From The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients:

3 cups All-purpose Flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 teaspoons Baking Powder (slightly rounded teaspoons)

3/4 cups Milk

Water as needed to get the dough to come together

Vegetable shortening or Lard for frying (I used part Vegetable oil part shortening)

1. Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. 

2. Stir with a fork as you pour in the milk; keep stirring for a bit to get it to come together as much as possible. 

3.  Add just enough water (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup) to get it to come together. 

4. Cover the bowl with a dish towel and let it sit for 35-45 minutes.

5. When you're ready to fry the bread, heat 1-2 inches shortening/lard/oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Roll a plum-sized piece of dough (or larger if you want larger flat breads) and press it into a circle with your fingers. (As a tip, oil your fingers and flat surface to avoid sticking.)  When the circle is desired size carefully drape it into the skillet.  Allow it to fry on one side until golden, and then carefully flip it to the other side using tongs for another 30-45 seconds.

6.  Remove the bread and allow to rest on a paper towel.  Repeat fry process.

While the hubby and I enjoyed the fry bread with taco fixings, the little lady enjoyed her fry bread plain as dessert.  The next morning the little man enjoyed his warmed with raspberry jelly.  PW also suggests serving the fry bread warm with drizzled honey or honey butter.  I would imagine a smearing of Nutella or a sprinkling of cinnamon/sugar would also be quite satisfying. 

I would also add, that while I typically avoid recipes that call for frying (not for the sake of our health, but for the sake of my fingers, which I usually burn in the process) the actual frying was very easy to execute even in our tiny kitchen with minimal counter space.

Wise Words

[As parents] "you have been singled out to do a favor for God.  He is asking you to be His representative to a small but vital part of the next generation.  He needs someone like you to be His voice, His arms, and His heart.  He chose you.

He chose you to assist Him in a miracle.  He gave you children and then said, 'Now go, and give those precious lives meaning.'  It's a mandate that comes with great reward if you succeed, but a heavy price if you fail. 

This is where many parents panic.  When they realize that their job is to raise up children to love and serve God, they wonder how on earth they will do it.

The answer isn't on earth.  It's found in heaven.  It's sitting on an eternal throne.  He has many names, but among my favorite is 'The God of Grace.' You wonder, How am I to raise up children to love and serve God?  The answer is actually not that difficult.  You simply need to treat your children the way God treats you.

He does it in His grace."

from Grace-based Parenting

by Dr. Tim Kimmel

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Got tape?



Inspired by a children's classic

Having just finished reading Velveteen Mothers, an inspirational post for mothers young or seasoned, I was prompted to put into words the many thoughts that have been swimming around my head for days.


Perhaps the Shirelles put it best when they sang, "Mama said there'll be days like this.  There'll be days like this Mama said. (Mama said. Mama said.)."  It seems like in our household we are having more "days like this" than not.  It is a season of parenting that feels much like a scratched record that repeatedly skips, the familiar melody of the music interrupted by unpleasant noise.  I would not call it a rut: 1. a groove or furrow in a soft road, caused by wheels 2. any deep mark, hole, or groove 3. a narrow or predictable way of life, set of attitudes, etc.; dreary or undeviating routine (esp in the phrase in a rut), for life with two young children is far from predictable; the plans of our household often deviating from the course we initially set. And, life with little ones is anything but dreary; their beaming smiles could melt the hardest of hearts.  Perhaps, what we are experiencing are the true signs of growing pains as we acknowledge our little ones are no longer babes, but little people in need of constant instruction, consistent encouragement, persistent guidance, unwavering patience, unconditional love, and above all grace.  Guidance each time they make a choice that is unsafe.  Patience each time they throw a screaming fit in a public place.  Encouragement to  make good choices while playing with their sibling.  Love each time they throw a screaming fit in a public place.  Instruction on how to interact peacefully in the midst of disagreeing.  Grace each time they throw a screaming fit in a public place.  Oh, and have I mentioned patience, love, and grace each time they attempt to spit in your face out of anger.  Yes, these are my "days like this," on continuous cycle. Just. Hit. Repeat.


I know that I am not alone in this season of parenthood, a season that is as unpredictable as it is fulfilling.  To know this brings comfort.  (Yes, I find comfort knowing there are other mothers out there being spat at, or fleeing Trader Joes with a screaming two-year-old boy on their hip.  Shameless.  I know.)  Even more, I am comforted knowing that the challenges I face today as a mother will not be the same challenges I face tomorrow, the next month or a year from now.   Two months ago, the little man dabbled in screeches.  Today he screams in angst.  Two months from now I hope he is silent.  Not exactly, but I hope we are closer to the verbalization of his feelings opposed to him screaming them from the bloody rooftops.  It is a process; one that each member of our family must endure.  However, as parents (on bended knees), we are the ones responsible for guiding the process, tending to it, so that (Lord willing) our little ones are refined by it.   

This past week, the idea of refinement has permeated my thought life.  What I had been struggling to put into words Ann Voskamp so eloquently captured in her post - 

"Why do I forget that becoming Real — becoming a velveteen mother – it will hurt in a thousand ways? The weary and the wearing away and it the most beautiful part. The six of them, they have made me sing and sob and they have made me know my sin. Strange, how hurting can heal. Strange, how sometimes we need what we don’t even know we want. Strange, how He makes ashes into beauty."

As Jeff and I make it a priority to love, teach, correct and discipline our children each and every day, I believe that it is we as parents who are undergoing the biggest transformation.  As we become real, our hearts endure pain and sorrow, as we watch our little man's temper flare up once again.  As we become real, we recognize our own shortcomings as we lose our patience, reacting to a situation instead of responding to it.  Through this season of trial and error, we see the Lord at work in our own hearts as we rely more on Him for daily guidance, endurance, and encouragement. The Lord is allowing our children to grow us into more loving, committed, and grace-filled parents. To God be the glory.

*****

This afternoon as our little lady perused her bookshelf before nap time, she scanned the spines of countless books before settling on this one...

  

 Coincidence? 

I think not.

Message received. 

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Little stylist



Fall Frolicking with the Mallofs

This past weekend, the Mallofs (aka Uncle Bobbie and Auntie Dawnie), landed in Cleveland for a weekend of family fun.  The little lady and man were more than excited to greet their auntie and new uncle, and quickly made them feel at home (i.e. treated them to fits of screaming, hysterical laughter, stream-of-thought chatter, endless construction book reading, comical story telling, and the occasional pout). 

If you are entertaining thoughts of visiting our family in Cleveland, you can count on one thing.  You will be treated to an early morning trip to On the Rise Bakery for croissants.  We kicked off our weekend together by consuming chocolate and raspberry croissants before hitting up Nordstrom.  (Nordstrom may not be considered a Cleveland tourist attraction, but we found it to be the perfect place to kill a little time on a dreary and rainy morning.  Welcome to Cleveland!)

Croissant consumption.

Waiting room fun.

Friday night consisted of playing with trucks, manicures, dinner from Melt Bar and Grilled (another favorite restaurant), TV viewing, and stuffing our faces with brownies.  Have you made these yet?! You won't regret it.

Saturday morning we hit up the West Side Market, treating our visitors to gigantic apple fritters, Steve's famous gyros, cherry donuts and pineapple chunks.  There is absolutely nothing strange about that combination.  Brunch at it's finest.

Gyros the size of a toddler's noggin.

Color coordinated eating.

Smiling between bites.

Hitting the streets for some souvenir shopping.

Saturday evening the adults enjoyed a lovely night out in Treamont, OH.  We kicked off the night with drinks at The Treehouse, and spent the rest of the evening dining at Fahrenheit Restaurant.  The chive butter served with their warm, crusty bread is worth the drive alone.  (Adios, South Beach!)  Eating out is one of our favorite things to do as couples.  We love to engage in meaningful conversation over plates of delicious food. 

Sunday morning we were sad to realize our time with Dawn and Bob was coming to an end.  After being treated to one of Jeff's scrumptious pancake breakfasts, we strolled through our neighborhood enjoying the perfect fall weather and each other's company.  We are so thankful for the relationship we have with Bob and Dawn!  We miss their presence in Cleveland already.  



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Dry skin(?)



One step closer

Trauma to the doralis pedis artery in the lower leg is most likely associated with what neuropraxia?

What is seen in lambdoidal craniosynostosis?

What points of fixation are required with zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures?

What is pachydermoperiostosis?

(Ironically, when I hit spell check every single medical term was highlighted as a misspell.)

These are among the questions I had been attempting to read to my husband each night as he prepared for his written board exam.  Pronouncing many medical terms as though they were an entree off of an Italian menu, I quizzed him each evening.  I often wondered if my hack job of questioning interfered with his ability to comprehend a question and then answer it.  But, he didn't seem to mind.  And, I enjoyed every minute of it as I watched his mind at work, appreciating his work ethic, and admiring his intellect.  I am amazed at how the Lord created our minds so uniquely different.

  After countless hours logged studying, over 3,000 practice questions, and a four hour exam today he is one step closer to becoming a board certified plastic surgeon.  Now we wait for the results, which might possibly be the hardest part.  I am confident.  But then again I am just a wife, who adores her husband, believes in his every effort, and hopes for his best in all things.

Tonight we celebrate (meaning fall asleep on the couch by 8:30pm).



A bit o' fresh air and touch o' home

Last week it felt as though the walls of our apartment were closing in on us, as moods shifted like the wind, tears and pouts were present more often than not, and a certain little man tested the waters of being almost two.  (Life is rough when you are two, remember?)  So, it was with great enthusiasm that we made the 45 minute drive to Medina, Ohio to spend the afternoon outdoors with our dear friends, the Poelzers, who had arrived days earlier from WI to spend the weekend with Jamie's family on their family farm.  The crisp weather, sunshine, tractors, open fields, and above all the friendly faces from home were just what us Larsons needed. 

A tiny man needs his space every now and then.

Gray skies are gonna clear up

Put on a happy face

Brush off the clouds and cheer up

Put on a happy face

Our friendship with Mike goes all the way back to junior high.  He is just that kind of friend - loyal, faithful, honest, and present (no matter how many miles separate.)

A tiny man in his element.

Dreams do come true.

Want to make seven children, four parents and two grandparents happy? 

Pile in for a tractor ride. 

With shouts of excitement, fits of giggles, and squeals of delight we hit the country side for a beautiful and breezy ride.

A highlight of our day.

You can take the girl out of Wisconsin, but you can't take Wisconsin out of the girl.

Jamie and I had a good laugh as we walked side by side, she in her Ohio State sweatshirt and me in my Wisconsin red.

The little man having his very own Pantene Pro-V moment.

Who doesn't love fall?!

After a busy afternoon outdoors, we enjoyed a pizza dinner and celebrated Jamie's birthday with a delicious ice cream cake.

Picnic for six.

(Surprisingly, this went off without a hitch.)

As we sat around the living room sharing stories, reminiscing, and laughing I was extremely grateful to the Moehlers and Poelzers for inviting us to share in this special family day.  This day will remain a favorite of ours as we look back at our year in Ohio.



Follow up

The little man woke up one hour into his nap calling out for his papi.  He was unable to fall back asleep and woke up his sister who was able to fall asleep on her own without the sippy cup.  Kuddos to her. 

Let us hope that he warms to the idea of papi's passing, and embraces his blanket.  Our walls are thin. 

Big day over here

We are officially a "papi" (pacifier) free household.

After clipping the nipple part of the pacifier (Thanks for the idea, Joan!) and tossing it strategically into the center of the room we waited for the little fella to discover his beloved papi. With flip camera ready, we waited for our plot to unfold. Within seconds, the little man ran excitedly towards the papi, thrilled to find it in plain sight. "Papi...(giggles)...papi...(giggles)!" We watched in amusement as he transitioned from a state of joy to utter confusion. As he turned the papi over and over, he looked at us for further explanation. In the end, he deemed the pacifier "garbage" and headed directly to the garbage can. And, with sweet confidence he tossed his beloved comforter directly into the trash and smiled.

He did not request it before nap time, but cuddled his blanket attempting to recreate the soothing sucking motion the pacifier provided him. He gave up after a minute or so, and settled down to sleep. I only hope when he wakes in the middle of the night, he is as easily soothed without it.

RIP Avent Pacifier

 November 14, 2009 - October 15, 2011

You were loved and appreciated by all.

And, for this one...

We decided that as of today the little lady would no longer be able to take a water cup to bed with her.   In all likelihood, this will prove to be the bigger of the two separations.  When we briefed her on our plan yesterday, she responded matter of fact, "I need my cup in my bed.  I'm a little girl." (Not a bad argument, actually.  She is a wee one, dainty and slight.)

This specific type of cup has soothed and supported our sweet little lady through her many milestones.  It is the first thing she wants to see upon waking, filled to the brim with fresh milk.  Her thirst has been satisfied by it, her feelings comforted by it, and it has helped fill the empty space between her arms and the pillow as she slumbers each night.  If she wakes in the middle of the night, she 1) calls out for me 2) pulls her pink blankie close and 3) reaches for her cup, shaking it to insure there is water left before placing it in her mouth to soothe.  Each spout bears tiny scratches, evidence of her teeth gently grinding against it.  While, she will continue to enjoy this sacred cup upon waking and as she rests on the couch before bed, (it would be cruel and unusual punishment to deprive her of such established routines) I know she will miss its presence in her bed each night. 

Now, would somebody please slow down time for us as it is clear our sweet ones are growing up.



Sun-dried Turkey Burgers with Basil Aioli

I'm taking the family on a little trip to South Beach.  More accurately a tiny island off of South Beach, as I am straying from the exact formula of the recommended meal plan.  It was a much needed trip, after landing in Cleveland and sampling the many tasty and addictive local restaurants and bakeries near our home.  

Last night as Jeff and I positioned ourselves in front of the TV to enjoy another night of playoff baseball, we dined on these delicious burgers.  Turns out the burgers were the highlight of our night as the Brew Crew (painfully) fell one game behind the Cardinals. 

from Cooking Light's Fresh Food Fast Weeknight Meals

Ingredients:

1 - 1/4 lbs ground turkey breast

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground pepper

1/4 cup (2 ounces) crumbled goat cheese

1/4 cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Cooking spray or butter

green leaf lettuce (optional)

hamburger buns (your favorite; however, these burgers are delicious even w/out the bun; I barely missed it.)

tomato slices (optional)

Basil Aioli (see recipe below)

1. Prepare grill, or cook in pan with butter over medium high heat on stove top.

2. Combine first 5 ingredients.  Divide turkey mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a patty.

3. Place patties on grill; cookbook suggests 8 minutes on each side if grilling; for two patties in pan, cook 5-6 mins on each side for a slightly pink center.

4. Assemble patties on buns with lettuce, tomato, and Basil Aioli.

Basil Aioli

Ingredients:

1/4 cup light mayo

2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 garlic clove, minced

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk.  Yield 1/4 cup.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - poor man's train table



On seeing

Helen Keller on slowing to Really See…

"I, who cannot see, find hundreds of things to interest me through mere touch.

I feel the delicate symmetry of a leaf.

I pass my hands lovingly about the smooth skin of a silver birch, or the rough shaggy bark of a pine….

I feel the delightful, velvety texture of a flower, and discover its remarkable convolutions; and something of the miracle… is revealed to me.

Occasionally, if I am very fortunate, I place my hand gently on a small tree and feel the happy quiver of a bird in full song….

At times my heart cries out with longing to see these things. If I can get so much pleasure from mere touch, how much more beauty must be revealed by sight.

Yet, those who have eyes apparently see little. The panorama of color and action which fills the world is taken for granted….

It is a great pity that, in the world of light, the gift of sight is used only as a mere convenience rather than as a means of —

adding fullness to life.”

~Helen Keller



Wise Words

Family is a field to grow in. Where children grow up and parents grow patient.

Where mothers grow in maturity and fathers grow in forgiveness, where sons grow in self-control and daughters in discernment and this is what He means — For us to stretch and dig down and reach out and for family to grow us full in the faith.

-Ann Voskamp



Patterson's Farm

Last weekend we carved out just enough time between Jeff's studying and playoff baseball to enjoy the stunning colors of fall while apple picking at Patterson's Farm in Chesterland, Ohio.  Truth be told I prefer autumn above all other seasons.  Come September my eyes scan the treetops for the first signs of change, colors of gold, amber, and rust.  I purchase a Yankee candle car air freshener in the scent of Mcintosh Apple and inhale deeply as I drive.  While at the grocers, I keep my eye out for shiny, red Honey Crisps.  Each night I light an Autumn Wreath Yankee candle, filling our home with the warm and spicy scents of fall.  And, I wait expectantly for the first opportunity to head to the apple orchard. 

Truth be told my husband prefers summer, days hot and temperatures high.  I'm sure deep down he finds my fascination and slight obsession with autumn somewhat amusing.  As I beam while riding shiny John Deere tractors, children in tow, he nods.  As I marvel over clusters of tiny apples, snapping shots of our children taking their first bites, he ponders how they keep "the beasts away" as to ensure apples for the picking.  As I savor each tart and sweet bite, searching for the perfect words to describe the taste, he politely chews offering up the occasional, "It's good." 

 Though our love of fall and its activities is not mutual, each autumn he takes me to the orchard, follows me to and fro, offers smiles of encouragement and holds my hand.   The homemade apple pie that awaits him has nothing to do with his positive attitude, I'm sure.

While some may describe this season as "overrated."  I will not name names. 

I find it to be purty darn perfect.

The Honey Crisp of my eye.



When it grows quiet

Most days between the hours of 1pm and 3:30pm a (necessary) quiet settles on our household, as the little lady and man enjoy an afternoon siesta.  Every now and then, Jeff and I rest our own weary heads on the couch and enjoy what we affectionately refer to as family nap.  It is glorious.

Then there are days between the hours of 1pm and 3:30pm that a subtle and muted tinkering can be heard through the quiet.  It is barely noticeable, but a trained mother's ear can detect it.

And, it is on those days that the little lady's biggest and most spectacular plans are executed.

Me - "Um...Charlotte, you were supposed to be taking a nap."

Little lady - "But, I'm Charlotte...the working girl."

Working girl, indeed.

The little lady quite pleased with her work requested the presence of her father. 

Enter father.

Little lady - "Daddy, look what I did."

Daddy - [with a look of utter disbelief] "Wow!  I'm not even mad; that's impressive."

Man, I love those two.


Lesson learned - If you are alerted to nap time tinkering and do not get off the couch to peek, prepare yourself for a spectacular display of chaos...I mean creativity.