In Case You Need Your Heart Strings Tugged...

Real Mothers know that a child's growth

Is not measured by height or years or grade...

It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother.

(author unknown)

Wise Words

"A wife's contentment must come from the Lord.  Her satisfied attitude flows out of her relationship with Him.  A content wife knows God has provided for her salvation in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  She knows God as her Jehovah-Jireh, her Provider; and she knows God as her El Shaddai, her All-Sufficient One.  A content wife knows that 'God will supply all [her] needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 4:19)"

~ from What a Husband Needs from His Wife

by Melanie Chitwood

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Help

This Just In...

- IT APPEARS THE LITTLE LADY HAS AN IMAGINARY FRIEND.  IT'S NAME IS "SHUSH."  OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS I HAVE HEARD THIS NAME ON OCCASION, BUT NOW IT SEEMS THAT SHUSH IS MAKING AN APPEARANCE IN DREAMS, ON THE COUCH, AND IS RED.  IT ALSO HAS SIDEKICK, A LIGHT BLUE MONSTER.  PERHAPS, THE SAME LIGHT BLUE MONSTER THAT WAS RESIDING IN OUR FRONT HALL CLOSET WEEKS AGO.  (I BELIEVE JEFF IS [NOT-SO-SECRETLY] THRILLED AS HE HAD NOT ONE BUT FOUR IMAGINARY FRIENDS IN HIS YOUTH, "SHAGGI [ALSO RED], DOOTIE-BON, LA-DI-DA, AND [MY PERSONAL FAVORITE] JUICY-SPILL." PERHAPS HE CAN GET THE OL' GANG BACK TOGETHER TO MEET SHUSH.)

- THE LITTLE LADY (WHO IS ALREADY QUITE EXPRESSIVE) HAS NOW TAKEN TO WHISPERING HER DISDAIN AND MOMENTS OF FRUSTRATION IN LIFE.  I OFTEN FIND HER ON THE COUCH WHISPERING THINGS LIKE, "COME ON!"  "THIS IS NOT GOOD." OR "I CAN'T DO THIS."  THE OTHER MORNING I WAS SITTING AT OUR KITCHEN COUNTER CHECKING EMAILS WHEN I HEARD BETWEEN THE TIP-TAPPING OF THE KEYS, (IN A WHISPER) "I DO NOT WANT TO WATCH MAX AND RUBY.  (INSERT GRIMACE, STAMP OF FOOT, TUG AT SHIRT) I WANT TO WATCH BACKYARDIGANS.  I AM NOT HAPPY. I WILL BE GRUMPY."  I AM CAREFUL TO HOLD BACK ANY SMILES OR WORSE LAUGH IN THESE MOMENTS, AS THE LITTLE LADY IS QUITE CONSCIENCE THESE DAYS OF BEING TOO CUTE, SAYING SOMETHING FUNNY, OR MAKING A MISTAKE.  IN ALL HONESTY, I FIND SUCH DISPLAYS HYSTERICAL, AND AM IMPRESSED BY HER ABILITY TO HAVE BOTH QUIET AND DEAFENING OUTBURSTS.

  TURNING THREE HAS AWAKENED HER YOUNG, IMAGINATIVE MIND AND UNLEASHED A PLETHORA OF NEW EMOTIONS FOR US TO ENJOY ALL THE LIVE LONG DAY.

-THE LITTLE MAN IS STARTING TO REVEAL THAT HIS VOCABULARY IS MUCH LARGER THAN HE LETS ON.  HE IS LEARNING THAT HIS BIG BLUES AND SWEET "EH, EH, EHS" WILL ONLY GET HIM SO FAR IN LIFE.  NOT SO IRONIC IS THE FACT THAT HE CHOOSES TO UNVEIL NEW VOCABULARY IN TARGET WHILE SHOPPING FOR FOOD.  THIS WEEK WE HAVE HEARD - CUPCAKE, MUFFIN, AND COOKIE.  NOTICE A THEME?  SOON HIS COMMAND OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE WILL CATCH UP TO HIS GROWING WAISTLINE. 

- AND, ON A PERSONAL NOTE, I'M STARTING TO MISS MEAT.

A Place of Thus Far

THIS WEEK MY INBOX HELD A DEVOTIONAL, THE CONTENTS OF WHICH HAVE INSPIRED GREAT THOUGHT AND REFLECTION. 

["Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said:  Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me thus far?" 1 Samuel 7:18

Have you ever been in a place of "thus far?"  A place where you are experiencing God's blessings and favor on your life?  Not blessings by the world's standards of materialism and wealth, but by the Lord's standards of provision, protection, providence, and peace that come from walking in his presence daily.]

WHILE IN NO WAY DOES MY LIFE COMPARE TO THAT OF DAVID'S (shepherd boy to king!), I CANNOT HELP BUT PAUSE IN AWE AND GRATITUDE AS I READ OF HIS QUIET EXCHANGE WITH THE LORD AND CONSIDER HIS QUESTION.  FOR IT IS BY GOD'S GRACE AND THE GUIDANCE OF HIS FAITHFUL HAND THAT I FIND THAT I MIGHT BE IN MY VERY OWN PLACE OF "THUS FAR."  AND, THAT I SHOULD REALIZE THIS MERE MONTHS BEFORE OUR FAMILY FACES ONE OF ITS BIGGEST TRANSITIONS TO DATE, IS NO SMALL MIRACLE. 

HIS PROVISION

-Jeff has been provided the opportunity to train at Cleveland Clinic, a highly respected hospital, in the areas of micro and reconstructive surgery, two areas of great interest. 

-The quick sell of our home, and a lead on a newly renovated two bedroom apartment (that we will most likely call home) in Cleveland.

-Family who daily supports us in prayer, with calls of encouragement, and by extending their love.

-Friends who support, sharpen and strengthen us as they walk along side us on this journey.

HIS PROTECTION

-We have two beautiful children who are seldom sick, sleep soundly, and continue to be free from serious injury.  (Now that we have our boy, I see how much I need to be in prayer for his safety!)

-Jeff has traveled many times this year always returning home safe to his family (something I will never take for granted and continue to be so thankful for).

-I continue to be in good health  (having had only one bout with the flu this winter), so that I am able to care for our family.

-Our beloved town home provides shelter each day, keeping us warm and cool as the seasons change.

HIS PROVIDENCE

[ noun - 1. God's care 2. foresight ]
-In January, we began attending a small church plant on the east side of town. Since attending The Vine, I have witnessed a change in both Jeff and I as we have fostered new friendships, become more disciplined in our time with the Lord, discuss weekly sermons, and engage with this excited body of believers.  They have joined us in shepherding our little ones, and weekly encourage their understanding of and love for the Lord. Charlotte loves her "vine church."
-The Lord brought Jeff into my life at a young age and because of that He has allowed me the opportunity to accompany Jeff on his medical journey from day one.  Having seen each stage of education, witnessing each season of growth, and sharing in it's ups and downs has softened my heart towards the process, allowing me to be a bigger cheerleader, steady encourager, and strong support for Jeff.  
-Jeff interviewed with many programs while applying for residency and ranked 14 programs around the country as places of interest to train.  The fact that the Lord granted us our number one choice of programs, placing us in Madison for five years has been a wonderful gift.  We have been able to see our families often, grow in appreciation for them, share in special family events, and maintain our close friendships.  Yet, the seventy miles separating us has also allowed us the opportunity to grow in our marriage and as parents to two young ones.  Our time here has been fruitful, and has proven to be a precious time of growth.

HIS PEACE
-I feel secure and loved as a wife.
-I receive abundant love and affection from our two children daily. I am there when they wake and am the last one to snuggle with them before bed.
-I am fulfilled as a homemaker.
-I find deep satisfaction in being a wife and helper to my husband who I genuinely adore.
-I am blessed to have the support and love of two godly parents.
-I have faithful friends who are there in good times and bad to strengthen, support, encourage and love.
-I know I am loved, cared for, and watched over by my Lord and Savior.  He has a plan for my life, and daily provides purpose, strength, renewal, and peace (that surpasses all understanding). 

LORD, HELP ME TO NOT FORGET THIS PLACE OF THUS FAR.

Meatless Meal - Pappa Al Pomodoro

Yes, another Barefoot Contessa recipe.

Ingredients

1/2 cup good olive oil

2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)

*1 cup medium-diced carrots, unpeeled (3 carrots)

*1 fennel bulb, trimmed, cored, and medium diced (1 1/2 cups)

4 tsp minced garlic (4 cloves)

3 cups (1-inch) diced ciabatta bread, crusts removed

2 (28-ounce) cans good Italian plum tomatoes (she recommends San Marzano)

4 cups chicken stock

1/2 cup dry red wine

1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

*True confessions.  I forgot to put carrots on my grocery list and simply chose not to put the fennel on it.  I have realized that I do not love the taste of fennel, so often leave it out of her recipes.  She seems to enjoy it (quite a bit).  I would have thrown in the carrots, but feel that I did not miss out on their flavor in the final product.

Directions

Heat the oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.  Add the onions, carrots, fennel, and garlic and cook over medium-low heat for *10 minutes, until tender.  Add the ciabatta cubes and cook for 5 minutes. Place the tomatoes in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steal blade and process just until coarsely chopped.  Add the tomatoes to the pot along with the chicken stock, red wine, basil, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper.  Bring the soup to a boil, lower the heat, and allow to simmer partially covered for 45 minutes.

*Note to moms of toddlers or distracted women, do not worry if you allow soup to simmer longer than suggested times.  Having prepared this recipe post-naps on a Friday evening, I can attest to prolonged cooking times and delicious results.

P.S. Just because this recipe contains bread (one of reasons it caught my eye), does not mean you have to fore go eating it with a hunk of toasted leftover ciabatta bread.  In fact, I highly recommend doing so!

Snack on This

I'M IN THE SWEETEST OF MOODS RIGHT NOW, AND HERE'S WHY.

1. IT'S SATURDAY AND MY HUSBAND IS HOME.

2. HE AND THE LITTLE LADY COOKED UP A STELLAR BLUE PANCAKE BREAKFAST FOR THE FAM.

3. A VASE OF BEAUTIFUL ORANGE TULIPS ARE DISPLAYED ON OUR KITCHEN COUNTER. (FLOWERS I WAS ABLE TO PICK UP ON A QUICK, SOLO TRIP TO GROCERY STORE THIS MORNING.)

4. THE LITTLE LADY AND I WERE ABLE TO BAKE TOGETHER ALL MORNING.

5. BOTH CHILDREN WENT DOWN EFFORTLESSLY FOR NAPS AND ARE NOW SNUG IN THEIR BEDS.

6. I'M PLANNING TO RUN THIS AFTERNOON (IN SPRING-LIKE WEATHER).

7. I'M CHOOSING TO WRITE THIS BLOG POST INSTEAD OF MOP THE FLOORS.

AND...

8. I JUST COMPLETED AND TASTED THIS RECIPE.

http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/05/my-kingdom-for-a-glass-of-milk/

I HAD NO IDEA WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THESE COOKIES.  WOULD THEY IN FACT TASTE LIKE A STORE BOUGHT OREO?  WOULD THE COOKIE BE CRISP? WOULD THE FROSTING BE STIFF INSTEAD OF SMOOTH?  THE ANSWER (TO ALL) IS YES. 

I REALLY ENJOYED THE PROCESS OF MAKING THESE COOKIES.  IT REQUIRED MORE TIME THAN MANY OF THE COOKIE RECIPES I MAKE, BUT ONCE THE KIDS WERE NAPPING I HAD FUN PIPING THE FROSTING INTO THE COOLED COOKIES, AND LOVE THE ORGANIC SHAPE OF THE WAFERS COMPARED TO THAT OF TRADITIONAL OREOS. I ALSO LOVE THAT MY KITCHEN CUPBOARD NOW HOLDS VEGETABLE SHORTENING, AN INGREDIENT I NEVER BAKED WITH BEFORE.