Clausen in the Hausen & out in the Garden

Good Things

2012-01-21T15:28:00.003-06:00

Littles having fun in some boxes that Christmas gifts arrived in.

Approval!!

2012-01-07T12:02:00.003-06:00

We received our I-797 today!! Woo-hoo.

Next step = Referral & Travel plans

Speckled and Spotted

2012-01-01T21:47:00.003-06:00

So... somewhere in Genesis 31 ...

Jacob is leaving. Taking his wives and his children and the herds he has acquired while serving Laban... and leaving.

He was allowed at some point (by Laban) to have the imperfect ones. the spotted. the speckled.

Except the Lord was watching out for him. and made the speckled and spotted the stronger, healthier offspring through some selective breeding that included stripped sticks in feeding troughs... (okay, this is the part that may not tie in to my story...)

I have found over the years, that ever so sweetly, the lover of my soul speaks to me in a language and in ways that are unique to me. I tend to live out portions of script

this is not the first time I have lived out a Jacob story either. :) but I digress.

This time, the Lord is clearly speaking to me (to us) about our little guys who are here for 4 weeks of hosting.

Except in what can only be divine intervention... my little guys are now quite spotted.
and due to the spotted and speckled nature of their skin, they must not travel until they are no longer spotted. (chicken pox people, they have come down with chicken pox!)

and in a way I hear God speak to me frequently. This part of my story aligns with scripture. and I am blessed to keep the spotted ones of the herd.

and I add a little note: The boys will hopefully have their visit extended because of the chicken pox, and we pray that this extension lines up to when we will actually have referral and be ready to travel to Latvia for a guardianship hearing. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness! amen.

yup... they're here ...

2011-12-18T20:56:00.006-06:00

These are the airport arrival pictures ... our first glimpse of our little guys...

R ( so shy )

( K - little cheeky man!)

Us before leaving the airport Tuesday night.

In the hotel lobby Wednesday morning!

It has been a whirlwind so far. They have some unique little personalities and quirks. (that is putting it mildly). We have been experiencing some pretty marvelous moments too! We are trying to get the boys in a routine and teach them basic family life rules. Language barrier is there, but we get around it pretty well. Temper tantrums and time outs take up a lot of our time. and getting them to understand the dynamic of it all. The laughter and hugs have taken over all the other parts of the day, and there is joy in the balance of it right now. :)

Annual Decorate the House and Trim the Tree Day

2011-11-26T11:16:00.003-06:00

Clausen Style

Stockings hung by the chimney with care...
and anticipation (see the R and K !)

Trimmings
down from the attic ...

Tree all ready to decorate...

I suppose I should get off the computer and
put all these fabulous people to work!

Happy Decorate the House
and Trim the Tree Day!!

Now, where is the eggnog!!

Thankful

2011-11-24T08:10:00.004-06:00

for many things (in no particular order)

Fabulous Loving Husband
6 Precious children (3 here, 1 in heaven, 2 almost here)
A lovely brick ranch
the smell of pumpkin muffins this morning
the turkey already in the oven
22 days until the boys arrive for their visit!!
A roaring fire in the fireplace, all. day. long.
Family time
random capitalization and punctuation :)
a large dining room table with enough chairs
Jesus
fuzzy socks
plenty of food to eat
no debt
crazy silly dancing worship mornings
my youngest child's belly laugh
really, all of my children's belly laughs
curly hair. yes really.
the sound of little voices playing in my home
hot water
Great friends!
spring
my garden and the bounty it gives us
coffee
painting
summer
the smell of clean laundry fresh off the line
crocus and daffodils
hugs and kisses from my children
a working oven
many blogs I read and glean info and ideas from (including pinterest)
baking
and so. much. more.

What are you thankful for?

oh my...

2011-11-19T23:12:00.001-06:00

Occasionally,
I have to look back at my Sweet Small.

He is so cute.
and still so cute.

This was April 2010
eating pizza on the deck
on a warm spring day.

Amazing.

Eggplant ..

2011-11-18T07:21:00.002-06:00

Aren't they beautiful!!

Listada de Gandia
Rosa Bianca

I made the perfect Eggplant Parmesan.

(I'm still enjoying having picked them on November 17! even the small ones)

If I had a green house, I could have left the plants out longer and the tiny fruit and all the blossoms I just lost, could have kept me in Eggplant over the winter! Come to mention it, I could have tomatoes still growing too if I had a greenhouse. Hmm.
Now the last of the tomatoes is another post entirely.

Sometimes you have to borrow a little...

2011-11-16T23:16:00.003-06:00

I snagged this from a post remembering John Wimber on another blog ... Amazing.

this is the part that hit my heart...

Let me leave you with a few principles on Spiritual Fathering from “Eating John’s Steak”:

1. Fathers must have a generous heart willing to give all they have away for their children.
2. Fathers must have a delight in watching their “growing boys eat”. Fathers feed their children the good stuff.
3. Fathers do not hide their weaknesses but minister from them.
4. Fathers make room at the table for new sons, not just sitting with the other fathers.
5. Fathers know investing in their children allows their lives to live on beyond them.
6. Fathers are so approachable that children feel a boldness to ask them for their steaks.
7. Fathers teach their children that “the real meat is in the street”! Take what you have been fed and give it away to those who do not know the Father’s love.

John thanks again for the steak and all the Spiritual meals you served us over the years at a great sacrifice of your life and for being a father to the fatherless.

to read the entire post ... click Here

And many thanks to the guy who wrote it!!

Oh I can too!

2011-11-13T22:06:00.002-06:00

I finally had some green tomatoes turn red for me. :)
so I did what comes naturally,
I canned.
Salsa.

Isn't this beautiful.
Heirloom Hillbilly Potato Leaf

(I actually sliced that one for BLT's shhh.)

But I did can some great salsa.

A bit liquid-ey.

7 Lovely Jars

I did taste some tonight and was actually disappointed. It is a mild salsa (b/c that is what the children like) but it tasted weak and watery tonight when I opened a jar. Harumph.
I think I needed to use the "hot" spices for canning. We find the "mild" to be perfect when made fresh, but it needs more umph.

Well, lessons learned. Good times. Good times.

The cost of being a follower...

2011-11-07T21:50:00.005-06:00

sometimes,

you stumble across word someone else has written and you know that you know that you know that God is speaking, quite clearly to YOUR heart.

I pulled the following paragraph from my favorite missionary to Haiti 's blog.
Let me preface:

Last week, I had a choice.

Go to my Aunt's funeral about 5 hours away. OR

Go to Jeff City (about 2 hours away) and Apostille all the documents for our adoption.

and after some deliberation, I knew what I had to do.

I texted my Dad. I told him I was sorry we could not make it to the funeral. I felt bad. I knew one of my sisters and one of my brothers would be there... and that my family would be "missing it" AGAIN.

Insert note here about AGAIN: I have the children who cannot come to funerals and it has caused lack of understanding in the past. My boys have been set apart to God since before birth under a Nazarite vow (think Samuel and Samson), which simply means we are raising them to be priests. And the biblical rules that we adhere to for them are that we do not cut their hair, they eat no fruit of the vine and cannot be around dead things, including people. They are daily given instruction in the house of the Lord. It's in the bible, under Numbers 6.

They missed my mother's funeral and will likely miss more in the future. and I am sorry, but while they are small, that means likely I will miss them too.
It hurts my heart that these people who are supposed to be closest to me, my family... Simply do not completely get me... possibly never have...possibly never will.

Now back to my thoughts...

anyway...

I was faced with a choice, and I know timing is a HUGE issue for our adoption. They need our paperwork, yesterday. The children that we thought we were headed toward referral for and now the (different) children that we are headed for NEED us to be ready, paper ready, yesterday. So Apostille wins.

Side note: (cause it is fun to insert it here)
Apostille is the secretary of state attaching a document to your already notarized document, saying that the notary is current and this is, in fact a certified notarized copy of your original document. And the SOS document is attached (at least here in Missouri) with a beautiful gold pointy sticker seal. It's pretty people. Something to see at least once in your life.

and we had 100 pages to be Apostilled for our Dossier. Good Times People, Good Times. Really, it was, we went to lunch while they did this part of the paperwork... I had a fabulous manicotti and split it and a great house salad with my love. but I digress, again...

So we went to Jeff city and our entire hosting experience changed in a phone call on the way. And we said yes to God. And He confirmed we were headed on the right path with it all (with a phone call during that phone call). and my heart broke, again. and I simply said Yes to His will and His purposes. They are all His children. all 149 million of them, and I am glad to give 2 a forever family.

Translation: we thought we would be hosting two fabulous sisters, and we will now be hosting two fabulous brothers.

But I digress (apparently a LOT in this post)

so today I read my favorite blog and I get a big sloppy wet kiss from God that I am right in the middle of His will for our lives and the orphans He has for us. I love it.

This is what I read:
In my NIV Bible, the header above Luke 9:57-62 says, “The Cost of Following Jesus.” Here it is, plain and simple, laid out for us by the Lord. “As they were walking along the road, a man said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” He said to another man, “Follow me.” But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my Father.” Jesus said to Him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

and I knew that I knew that I knew. I was supposed to miss the funeral and instead drive to Jeff City for Apostille, so that our dossier could be in Latvia sooner. (because adoption is His will for our lives, a part of our testimony.) and the boys that are coming need our paperwork done and our funds all raised right now! ... because the referral for them will come with travel approval and the time to go will be immediately.

and for anyone who needs clarification:
We are adopting Internationally. We heard the Lord say: Siblings and Latvia.
We are utilizing a hosting program, separate from our adoption agency, yet connected in that it shortens our time in country bonding with our children, and it allows us to ask for specific referral when we send our dossier.
Our funds for all hosting have been paid by us. and are totally separate from our adoption.
Our funds for adoption are still being raised. (we still have 2/3 to raise)
Our referral is not complete until Latvia approves our dossier, and the children we asked for or even the children we host, may not be referred to us until Latvia approves it.
Our dossier is now in Latvia. Awaiting translation and approval for referral.
The boys we are hosting are in need of their forever family now. The situation they are in requires. it.
:)
and all I have to do is say Yes, Lord send me.
done.

I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you. John 14:18

Serious Superheroes

2011-11-02T20:09:00.004-05:00

My Boy Wonder.

Truly.

Medium & Tall protecting the universe.

Seriously, you should have heard small call out "Hammer!"

Love it.
and he actually looks like Thor with those curls!!

October is many things. Apparently including the need to dress up, a lot.

My children are now frequent superheroes thanks to my discovery of the plastic tablecloth cape. For $1, you can cut three or more capes for short people out of plastic. Very simple. and unless they happen to rip them off instead of untying them (that's experience speaking here people!) they will last for several capers. :)

The boys walked to the church across the street on Sunday for their autumn festival, we often visit during their outside times of games and food and fellowship. Free Fun (and candy, lots and lots of candy) :)

Sharewalk 2011

2011-11-02T20:02:00.004-05:00

Cadence's Balloons

Me and the Balloons

Hubby & I

Some of my children, listening and waiting to release balloons!

Every year since losing our tiny Cadence, we participate in Share Walk. It raises awareness and support for Infant and Pregnancy Loss. It brings hope and remembrance to those who have lost children.

It happens in October every year, hundreds gather and listen to their child's name being read off and then release balloons in their memory. You can see on the back of my son's shirt, the rows of names of all the children. We write a little message on our balloons and then remember our tiny. We all then take a mile or two walk together. It is a blessing to stand with others who have walked this path.

11/1/11 Dossier

2011-11-01T13:49:00.003-05:00

Today our Dossier went to our Adoption Agency via Fed-Ex.

11/1/11 at 1:11pm True Story.

It will be checked and double checked and then head on it's way to Latvia for Translation.

Very Exciting.

There is one tiny piece of paper to join our Dossier at a later date = USCIS Approval I-797.

moving things along...

2011-10-31T08:26:00.002-05:00

Adoption is a series of steps and waiting. Complete one step and wait for someone else to complete their part of that step.

Look what we got today ...

2:15 AM (5 hours ago)

Dear Applicant/Petitioner:

Your USCIS application/petition has been received and routed to the National Benefit Center for processing. Within 7 - 10 days by standard mail you will receive your official Receipt Notice (Form I-797) with your Receipt Number.

Well, they have it and are now working on it. Please stand with us in prayer for quick processing!

Fundraising Fundraising

2011-10-15T16:45:00.003-05:00

It takes a LOT of money to adopt. One child adopted internationally or domestically is Approximately $30,000.

Crazy money = to pull a child out of abandonment / poverty / abuse (you name the affliction - it goes with being an orphan.

Most people, simply do not have that kind of money.

Most people cannot just take out a loan to afford it.

Yet the cause is right. The result is good. It is love of a higher form. It is acceptance. It is a form of pouring oneself out longterm for another human being (to raise them).

It is Worthy.

Worthy of the blood, sweat and tears it takes to bring an orphan into their forever family.

that is our cause. that is what we are doing. Being a Forever Family.

We do not have the money, or the means to have the money it takes to ransom these children out of their situation. (ransom is a strong word, but you get my point)

We have the means to support the child(ren). Adding another mouth to feed is simple. Clothing is simply (we don't wear name brand here unless we find it at Goodwill!)

We live simply to add our meager funds to the (growing) adoption fund.

We are blessed in many ways and bringing these two girls into our lives will bless us further.

We need help (financial gifts) to get there.

We need fundraisers and the helps of financial donations.

If you have given, THANK YOU! We mean it sincerely. Our fund is growing.

If you haven't yet given, please consider.

Consider the hearts of the two girls we are bringing home into a forever family. It is all they want. To be wanted, needed and loved. To have a mommy and a daddy that loves them.

There are many ways to give, some are tax deductible, some let you purchase an item and give a small portion toward our need. All are worthy.

Thank You.

October's Blooming Here

2011-10-14T22:34:00.004-05:00

This is my orange tree,
with tiny oranges on it.

This is actually the orange tree...
with the garden behind it...

Pineapple Plant

Bloesser Tomato
covered in baby tomatoes

I went out the other day and picked collard greens.
YUM

Another view of the entire garden...

The eggplants

Green Beans in earthbox.
second try this year.

Turnips

Hillbilly potato leaf tomato
going into the basement this weekend to finish up under florescent lights.

Broccoli. mmm.

Raised bed, with an almost ripe Black Brandywine tomatoe

It's about time we got some maters round here!

and some serious eggplant too
(made 2 batches of eggplant parmesan!)

Collards, regrowth since I cut the other day

That's about it for pics tonight. The garden is about to be torn up and put to rest. We are expecting the nights to dip into the 30's early next week. It will be a busy weekend around here.

1. SHARE walk
2. Benefit Concert
3. Fall-ify the garden :)

Talk to you in a week or so...

Worthy Watermelon

2011-10-02T15:35:00.002-05:00

We finally got a watermelon!! I planted Stone Mountain Watermelon in one earthbox this year, after planting seeds THREE different times (yes, I did consult and follow the farmers almanac best planting days) they finally germinated and 3 of 4 plants grew. We had a tiny watermelon in early July, that was not finished yet. The plants kept wilting in the extreme heat we were having, so I finally figured out they needed to be watered twice a day from like 4 foot vines on up. It gave up new blossoms in late July, and now on October first we had a full size, perfectly ripened melon. It was incredible!! Sweet and Perfect. There are some smaller melons still out on the vine, I was hoping they would get bigger, but it is getting so chilly at night, I may have to pick them soon.

Sing for your Supper

2011-09-26T23:29:00.003-05:00

alternately titled
"Look at how Shiny we are!"

Recently,
We got to go on a dress up date!

He even wore a tux!
I wore a little black dress,
with a gorgeous Poppy Scarf as my wrap.

It was a catered dinner in the Starlight room
at the Chase.

Chris had to sing for a gig,
and we got to stay and enjoy the dinner.

It was a longer evening,
but lovely.

and free.

which, as we all know when you are fundraising for adoption,
is the only way you get a date.

Unless someone happens to hand you tickets to the Muny.

That also happened recently.
We dressed up (a little)
for that one.
It was a great play!!

Thank you to those wonderful people
who have been handing us our dates lately!
They are important to our marriage.

You can tell it is working,
by how shiny we are!!

Admit it,
You are singing the song...
Shiny Happy People Laughing...

You're Welcome!

Harvesting Late in the Summer

2011-09-22T12:48:00.003-05:00

So the fruits of the spring plantings are finally starting to come in.
*Actually, I planted the summer squash in August.

Two yellow crookneck, (same plant, giving two very different fruit - cross pollination I imagine)
three pattypan (one being a double)
and an Edmonson cucumber.

My beautiful eggplants
Listada de Gandia
&
the 3 on the right are Rosa Bianca

More pattypan on the plant.

The plant is lovely
except when the deer come and eat half the leaves. sigh.

This is the "W" varmit.
He is awfully cute...

but he keeps getting in the garden and eating
ALL the Blondkopfchen cherry tomatoes.

Which is actually why I plant them to begin with.

He loves little grape tomatoes.
:)

We have had the weirdest weather
and all my tomato plants are finally fruiting, except
the Hillbilly potato leaf,
it is still in blossom stage.
We will be having BLT's in November.
mmm. Bacon.

Walking it out...

2011-09-18T20:58:00.003-05:00

Depending on God's provision.

Jeremiah 29:11

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This is His verse for my life and for our children as well.

Amazing.

God is good.

As we go through this adoption and watch the funds we need come in, step by step.

I am amazed.

His Faithfulness. His Love.

I am grateful to all of you who hear His whisperings in your heart and give toward bringing our children home.

We still have a ways to go, but we are now (almost) at the halfway point for fundraising.

Truly miraculous.

Thank you all!

Beauty Growing Up

2011-09-18T08:24:00.002-05:00

Tall went to the homecoming dance last night.

Tall also played in the powderpuff game Friday night.
(on the junior team, the senior team won, as always)

Online Adoption Auction - ENDED

2011-09-15T09:22:00.006-05:00

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

It's True: We are having an online auction to help raise funds for our adoption; Adoption currently costs ~$30,000.

Think about this: We still need to raise ~ $25,000 for our adoption.

If 250 people gave $100; that is $25,000.
AND if 500 people gave $50 : that is $25,000.
ZOWIE.

We have linked arms with friends from our church family who are also adopting and the proceeds of the auction will be split between our two adoptions. (BTW that is ~ $60,000)

http://hcadoptionauction.wordpress.com

Instructions are on the auction site. Out of towners can bid on Items, but all Services are for St. Louis only (except Sara's photography which is good for KC as well). S&H is not included in the bid price, it will be added after bidding ends. Very simple... just comment on an item w/ a dollar amount greater than anything already posted.

It would also be super cool and incredibly appreciated if you would give us a shout out for our adoption auction on your blog.

The auction runs from midnight tonight until midnight on Saturday (Sept. 15-17).

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Beautiful Day ...

2011-09-05T07:23:00.004-05:00

Today is Gorgeous weather day.
A day to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
We are headed to our church's annual family picnic,
after Tall works Stingray exhibit at the zoo. :)

Here are a few shots, of the view I painted Saturday...

All three views are from the same spot, simply different angles.
I want to go back as the season changes and paint again!!

You can see the painting over at
my painting blog!

Enjoy!

Where's my ...

2011-09-01T22:48:00.003-05:00

Small quotes of the day:

"Where's my 20 dang dollars?"

"We have to train those monkeys."

So. dang. cute.

Fresh Vegetable from the garden Gluten Free Lasagna

2011-08-28T19:12:00.004-05:00

Gluten Free Rice Pasta Lasagne with Homegrown Garden Fresh Veggies

9 Gluten Free Lasagne Noodles (boiled and drained) Tinkyada Brown Rice Noodles

2 tsp minced garlic

1/2 Cup diced onion

8 - 12 oz or more of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1 container Ricotta Cheese

1/2 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese (probably way more than 1/2 cup)

2 Cups Eggplant peeled and diced. I used 3 small Listada de Gandia Eggplant

1/2 Chopped carrot

1 jar marinara sauce

2 red or yellow sweet peppers. I used a lovely Doux de Espagne and an Orange sweet bell

1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (more or less, usually more)

1 small peeled and diced zucchini

1/2 tsp oregano leaves

1/2 tsp basil leaves

2 eggs well beaten

Basic Instruction:

Cook the pasta and drain.

Heat Olive oil in a large nonstick skillet. Saute Garlic, Eggplant, Carrot, Zucchini and Onions until tender - about 5 minutes. Add Sweet Peppers, Oregano, Basil leaves and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

In a small bowl, mix ricotta and 2 beaten eggs until smooth.

In an ungreased baking dish (I use a 9 x 13 glass pyrex), pour 1/3 marinara onto the bottom of the pan. Place 3 lasagne sheets on top of sauce. Top with 1/2 veggie mixture, half the ricotta mixture, half the mozzarella and then half the Parmesan over the top. (truth be told, I don't measure the mozzarella or the parm, I eyeball it.)

Repeat the next layer... 1/3 sauce, 3 lasagne sheets, 1/2 veggie mixture, remaining ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese and some parmesan. Now, Top with remaining 3 lasagne sheets, marinara sauce, and top with parmesan cheese. ( I may sprinkle some mozzarella too).

Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees. (I never cover mine and it never over-browns.)

Enjoy with some crusty Italian bread and Red Wine. :)

You're welcome..

The garden is really growing now ...

2011-08-27T20:13:00.008-05:00

It's been all summer since I gave a garden update. I have gone out every morning (or evening) except for very rainy days and watered the boxes and beds. So far, it has been a year of not so much success. The broccoli originally gave one meal and then died in the very early extreme heat we had. The brussel sprouts in earthboxes grew very tiny sprouts and then died in the heat, even after I kept smashing the caterpillars daily. The brussels I had under row covers never fruited. I think no bugs but no bees either. The patty pan squash under row covers succumbed to powdery mildew and then the vicious root maggot. I got one meal of corn from the 3 sisters garden and 1 good meal of provider beans from 3 sisters garden. The squashes all but 2 plants got the root maggot and died, with no fruit. The 2 plants are still in that bed and I might end up with Butternut squash from them yet. I replanted turnips where the corn and beans etc were in 3 sisters, we will see.

This is how the garden looks today...

Cayenne Pepper harvest.
I basically ignored this plant, other than watering. It fruited lovely. I am setting these out daily in the sunshine, and will string them soon. It is humid here, so I want the peppers to dry out a bit before I string them. (They began to dry on the plant, so I picked them all)

This is Black Brandywine. She gave me 2 or 3 tiny tomatoes so far and now has taken off in fresh growth and blossoms. If the deer stay off the tomatoes, I should have some lovely brandywines at the end of September!

This is Black Seeded Simpson
in tiny self watering containers. It is the second planting.

These are the tiny little butternut squash that grew in the compost pile.
(we ate the 4th in butternut risotto, but that is another post)
The vines died early and I had to bring in the immature fruit to ripen inside.

Dwarf Orange Tree and Pineapple Plant

2nd crop of corn. 1st earthbox planting this year.

Bloesser tomato (this is the Joggerst tomato plant) Sage in long pot
and in 2nd raised bed is Blondkopchen tomato, cayenne, 2 silvery fur tomato,
2 pepper plants, bi color cherry tomato. All headed toward new fruit. Crazy weather.

This is the other side of 2nd raised bed. You can see a red Doux deEspagne pepper.
and you can see the top of one sweet potato plant in front of the bed.

This is a crazy upside down planter I got for free. I had to try it.
I don't like it. Tomato plants are growing and blossoming,
(2 Mr. Stripey and 1 Rugers)
but it holds water in the bottom that is breeding mosquitos.
I suppose you could put sand in it, but that wasn't free.

A lovely view of my blueberry bushes. All protected from the wicked deer.

On the right side is Doux de Espagne, finally blossoming.
On the left is the yukky snack peppers. Very bitter.

This is the second attempt at Yellow Summer squash.
This crazy weather... it is setting blossoms right now.

Sideways view of my Edmonson Cukes. Love them

Bed with Cukes in it. Just planted Kohlrabi for fall. Will row cover soon.

A view of the eggplants. Need some mulch on that plastic.

Current state of the strawberry bed. Growing well.

This is the new turnip planting where the 3 sisters planting was.
See the 2 remaining Waltham Butternut plants at the end. Praying for some fruit there.

These are Eggplants, different self watering containers.
Might be setting some blossoms now.

This is just a stand kinda close to the fence
(but not too close, the poison ivy is directly behind me)
and take a pic of the garden.

and now the view that inspired this overdue garden post....

The Melon Patch...

These are the honeydew melons.
1 earthbox
3 plants.
3 baby melons
and more tiny ones starting to develop (finally!)

This is a side view of how far out of the box they grew.
and I keep moving the vines so they won't run straight,
instead I tangle them together for space considerations.

This is the biggest watermelon. It is as tall as the earthbox (almost)

This is the watermelon Earthbox.
4 plants. Growing vine like crazy.
Blossoms galore and now 4 tiny melons growing.
I have to water the box 2-3 times a day to keep it happy and not wilting.
(like it accidentaly did today when I only watered am and pm.)

And this is the pattypan squash.
2nd planting. (1st time in earthbox)

and that concludes the longest garden photo post ever.

Whew.

You're welcome.

Be encouraged. My plants are finally doing what they should... we have had a wild weather growing season.

and that old black walnut tree, No Fruit this year.
Better for the garden and easier on me.

Cucumber Soup and Zucchini Fritatta

2011-08-25T07:33:00.004-05:00

I made Cucumber soup and Zucchini Fritatta

The soup was surprisingly a little sweet, with no sugar added, just from the lovely cucumbers.

The Fritatta was perfect.
(very easy, a little olive oil in a pan, soften the onion and zucchini and add eggs, medium heat, no stirring until done, then a quick 30 seconds under the broiler to make sure the top is solid)

and these:

are Edmonson Cucumbers.

Beautiful color!! Great Mild Taste.

Airport Picture ... and the rest of the story.

2011-08-16T09:52:00.007-05:00

5 weeks ago we began a journey with 2 fantastic children

Sunday

we ended with this:

Chris, S, L and Paige

Two beautiful girls we are blessed to have been able
to pour into their lives for 5 weeks and beyond.
We love you girls!

Jealous for Time ...

2011-07-30T23:29:00.003-05:00

We have been very busy hosting our 2 girls from Latvia.
too busy to post on the blog.
We have been touristy around our area
and staying around the house; playing in the pool and
in the garden and on the trampoline.
and having a week of Kids Of Victory camp!

Here's a few of my favorite people in some great photos:

This is Tall, S, Medium, Small and L.

This is the very best picture of L.
Isn't she happy!!

and a great photo of the lovely S.
Very sweet.
(and if you focus, Tall is on the left in the back there!)

My favorite children,
all together.

Birthday Birthday

2011-06-30T10:07:00.010-05:00

I might make comments about these??

Dads running the birthday party!

Hoops Run = Part of the obstacle course

Egg race

Small with one of the singing cards. He practically slept with the card that night he liked it so much. :)

another one of the dads ...
that's what happens when you give them the camera, sigh.

Matthan enjoying opening his family gifts

aunt Dawn and uncle Friday playing bat the balloon to pop it with small.

Thanks Uncle Josh!! He bounced all over the house he was so excited to get the Legos and Zoo Tycoon 2!!!!

Gorgeous Orange Roses

2011-06-23T20:22:00.003-05:00

My honey brought me flowers tonight...

Stunning Orange Roses!!

Thank you my love.
They are beautiful.
:)

so much happens in summertime...

2011-06-20T08:15:00.002-05:00

Let's see ... Medium turned 8 on Saturday (Happy Birthday!) and we celebrated with a party and pizza! Pics to follow later.

We have been busy preparing the rooms for the girls visit in July. and completing a 3 hour training to prepare for hosting them. We also completed our homestudy Hague education (10 hours online).

That was just last week. :)

Better post Later!

What's growing ... and what's not

2011-06-13T19:35:00.003-05:00

First off, I have already been plagued by pests.
Specifically,
the caterpillar.

They seem to love the broccoli and brussels.
UGH.

I have been handpicking them off and either drowning or smashing them.

So, lots and lots of things are growing like crazy out in my garden. I have also had lots of other pests (mostly aphids, but a few beetles too). Some plants are doing spectacular and others are failing and I don't know why.

This is a leaf from a summer squash plant that I pinched off. The rest of the same plant seems fine.

The rest of the leaves look pretty good?? Unless the light veining is a bad thing?

I don't remember what pest makes this leaf track...

This is one earthbox full of beans.
See how the ones in back are huge and the ones in front are kinda measly?

This is a gorgeous heirloom tomato.

Right next to that gorgeous tomato, it's
sister in the box is failing. No idea.
It doesn't appear to be cutworms, but that is my best guess.
One day the plant had flopped over and I stood it back up
and it wilted after that.
Now I will have to replant that side of the earthbox.

This is my pretty little orange tree. See the new blossoms it is putting on.
It has yellow leaves and I don't know why.
I gave it nitrogen and a basic fertilizer.
and the soil is drying between waterings.

Beans.
Why in the world are the leaves browning and curling up like that.
I know the holes are from the beetles. Insecticidal soap. :)

Another healthy Brandywine tomato
WHY are the lower leaves curling up like that?

This is one of the healthier bean earthboxes.
But some of the leaves are still yellowing, browning and curling up?

This is my Calypso bean. ALL 16 seedlings did this.
I am thinking some disease in this particular packet of seed??

and on a much lighter fun note:

I have identified the mysterious volunteer vine in the compost pile,
Can you guess what that is??

Yup! Not a melon. A very pretty Butternut Squash Vine !!

and that concludes today's post.

Except for one more scraggledy bean plant. sigh.

How does your Garden Grow ?

2011-06-02T08:31:00.010-05:00

In no particular order:

These are most of the plants in my garden on June 1, 2011.

Hillbillly potato leaf Tomato plant

Tiger Eye Beans

Calypso Beans

First Blueberry turning Blue.

Butternut Squash
(only 3 of 4 germinated the first time)

Brussel Sprouts

Broccoli Heads

We're going to eat these tonight!

Watermelon
(notice only 2 of 4 seeds germinated)

Lettuce

More Lettuce!

Blueberries!

Black Brandywine Tomato Plants

Strawberry Plants

Compost Pile Garden
growing Corn, Jacobs Cattle beans and
a mystery volunteer melon plant
(either honeydew or cantelope)

Peppers
Doux deEspagne is the larger 3 in front
Yellow Snack Bell are the 3 smaller in back

Bloesser Pink and Yellow Tomato plants

Broccoli and Brussels

Snap Peas!

3 x 3 Raised Bed
Snap peas at the back
Cucumber and Radishes in middle
Brussels in front

Cayenne Pepper
(not sure why it is purple - it's a mystery plant)

3 x 3 Raised Bed
Silvery Fir Leaf (Determinate) tomato on Left front and back
Cayenne middle back
Blondkopfchen yellow cherry tomato back right
Doux deEspagne middle
Yellow Crookneck Squash middle Left
Orange Sweet Bell middle Right
Yellow snack pepper middle front
Bi-color Cherry right front

another pic of the sugar snap peas

I also have at least 2 more varities of beans, but they all look about the same right now!

I have not yet planted my sweet potatoes. I need to build a bed for them first!
I think the garden looks fabulous for June 1!

Little Red Berries and the Small that ate them...

2011-05-23T22:41:00.005-05:00

So your meal stays balanced...

I planted these broccoli seeds in late march and then tranplanted them to the Earthboxes.
We have Broccoli Florets!

Now LOOK...
we have strawberries ripening!

Small headed out into the garden this morning,
and was trying to figure out how to pick them.
The netting was in his way.
He was way excited about it and talked rapidly about them,
until I said "do you want me to pick them for you"
and then a resounding "yes" followed.
And much munching and smiling.
then he ran in the house to tell daddy!

We won't have any to make preserves or dried fruit from for years.

But I don't really mind.
It brings that boy so much joy to eat right out of the garden.

This is what the strawberry pyramid looks like with the netting in place.

It was worth every penny.

Though, I did a poor job of bending the rods.
It seems to hold up to bad weather. :)

Now...
Just so you can see how huge the broccoli plants are getting.

and yes, that is a tiny little tomato transplant in the earthbox behind the broccoli!

Seedlings, Adoption and general thoughts on life.

2011-05-16T22:04:00.002-05:00

So... I have planted some of my seedlings over the last week into my Earthboxes and raised beds. I have the green beans and different varieties of dried beans planted too. I started my 3 sisters garden... only two are actually growing corn yet - all the rest - not growing (wonder what that means? Ha). The new strawberry bed is gorgeous with lots of blossoms and fruit growing (yes, I do know you are supposed to pull those off, I thought I would see what happens if I don't - that and I was out painting for days on end when they set all their blossoms.) I am still waiting on Gurneys to ship my sweet potatoes to plant. um, hello.

The dang deer have come by and eaten 4 tomato plants and a pepper plant, before I figured out it was them (they bit off a pepper plant and spit it back out, I guess they only like my tomatoes- because they left all the pepper plants alone - Stupid deer, they are all in the nightshade family) They have not touched the eggplant or the easy target seedlings out there either. Again, stupid deer.

Other than the deer, it all looks pretty good out there. Still have to make a little more Mel's mix and plant a few more things. I need to pick up some cheap flats of marigolds for the raised beds and exterior of the garden, need a bit more plastic and mulch. and I probably need to put out roach motels for the stupid wood roaches that like to eat the fruits of my labor in a few months. they are already living under the earthboxes - ew. I have some volunteer melons (I think) coming up in the compost pile. I will let them go and see what I get!

We have been so very busy preparing paperwork for adoption.

Here is where we are at.

The Lord has really put it on our hearts to adopt in the school-age range. I still want to adopt a baby, but we are going this direction first and we will see.

We will be hosting 2 school age girls (siblings ages 13 & 14) for 5 weeks this summer. They are from Latvia. We are already processing our paperwork and getting our passports and dossier in order to pursue an adoption of these 2 girls. They are very sweet, straight A students, who happen to be very musical, each plays an instrument and sings. We spoke many times at great length with one of the women who interviewed them personally at the orphanage and we all agree this seems really good and pretty perfect for us.

Ordinarily, Chris and I would have the total say so in something like this. We had been looking at a website of pictures and bios of children available for hosting. Talking and praying about it, waiting to decide. However, I was out painting one day, and Chris had been talking and praying with the children about it all and they texted me that they wanted these two girls... I called them and was like "what??" I thought we were headed for a younger brother, one who fell between medium and small. :) so I thought; Leave it to the Lord to give me a hard right turn. :)

The whole 2 sisters thing from Latvia was really Medium and Tall's decision. Medium said (many times) "we have to adopt those two girls". His heart got tugged pretty hard about the older children ageing out of the orphanages, and he thought it would be cool to get these two first and then go back and get a younger brother. Out of the mouths of babes.

So... we will host them for 5 weeks. And then go get them permanently. It takes 3 trips to Latvia to complete an adoption. So please be praying for supernatural travel funds. Even if we get a grant (prayerfully more than one) for the adoption funding, the Travel will be a huge chunk of change. The Lord said He would provide completely for our adoption and we believe it.

The first trip (after hosting) you go to Latvia and stay for a week or two and bond with the children and ask the court for guardianship. Then they come home with us. Then we make 2 trips back with the girls (because they are old enough to speak in court) to finalize and pick up embassy paperwork. The last two trips are about 4 days each.

Yes, It is a lot of travel. But once I get the freedom to post pics of them... you will see why our hearts were drawn to them in the first place and why they are so perfect to be Clausens. They had the cutest ideas of what they wanted to do in America while looking for a family to love them forever. Visit an american school and the history museum and maybe a farm (& swim). Besides their musical giftings and sweet spirits, they look like the Swedish side of my family with a bit of the German Clausen genes thrown in. Absolutely beautiful. I cannot wait for you all to meet them. (and all the children had totally different bios)

and now, I must go and fill out more papers for grants, and updating our homestudy for international and remember to write myself a note to order 3 copies of our marriage license and silly little administrative details like that.

and I totally neglected to post pictures of my recent paintings... wait til you see how incredible oil paints are for me. So colorful and rich.

The Tall, Medium and Small are fine... growing and Super brilliant. of course. :)

We're still here.

2011-05-11T21:20:00.000-05:00

Really. true story.

Just very busy with some paperwork ... hosting and adoption paperwork.

Very busy with gardening and teaching gardening.

Very busy with painting and recovering from painting out for days.

Trying to get the house back in order and the laundry all done, from being out painting for days.

Smiling at all the paintings I got done. I will post pics of that soon.

Oh sure ... Leaf out NOW....

2011-04-19T18:25:00.003-05:00

Yes, this beautiful
shiny red leafed plant
is growing. in my yard.

We didn't know it was a climbing vine in our yard,
until April 2, 2011.

When I went out and "cut back" some vines, unknowingly cutting this vine too.
It had no leaves. Who could tell.
See how Thick that vine is?!

It's the really thick one, with a small vine and leaves coming out,
just under that clamp thingy on the fence post.

Yeah, it's old and thick.
and trying to kill me.

and to make matters worse...
It's completely entwined into the honeysuckle vines and
the fencing.

Cause, what fun is it,
unless it's it is really embedded.

Okay, so it's poison ivy. Really old and deeply rooted Poison Ivy. The kind I have never caught until now poison ivy.

and to boot, now I have had an allergic reaction to Keflex.

So, we will be (eventually, this week I'm painting and recovering from the rash and reaction) having someone who is immune to Poison killya Ivy (thanks Scott K.) come over and help remove this icky stuff.

Just wanted you all to see the culprit. :)

Back to our regularly scheduled sleep, eat and painting week.

Lotsa Lotsa Lotsa goings on.

2011-04-14T20:55:00.000-05:00

this little table needs to get a bit bigger

(truthfully, we currently seat 5 at this table with the leaf in!)

We plan to seat 6 and maybe more (eventually, not all at once apparently)

We had part 1 of 3 of our homestudy visit Wednesday.
We have part 2 on Friday and part 3 on Monday.

Very exciting.
A little stressful (who knew my house could get even cleaner! ha)

The Lord has been pulling on our heartstrings lately.
About adoption,
the call to care for the orphan.

We began headed toward a domestic newborn adoption,
then curved over toward an international adoption
and now, we think simply domestic.
Though we remain open to hear His heart.

I ran across a blurb on a blog about a waiting sibling group.
and well.
my heart. was increased.

I would say broken, but I think it simply enlarged.
I was completely pierced for these siblings.
In my prayer life and in the natural and in this joyrney of adoption.
(Yes, I saw the typo, I think it appropos)

We stood up and said yes,
and today they called back and said no,
It looks like we aren't big enough on paper for them to say yes to four at once.
Their country wants to see more money in land, trusts, insurance and
savings to take on such a big blessing all at once.

and honestly
truly
it is okay with me.

To go back to thinking of taking on only one at a time.

We have been praying all along for our Father's heart for the orphan.
His great love for them to be poured out somehow through us.
We will be blessed beyond measure no matter how we grow.

So we joyfully flounder through endless amounts of paperwork,
and education requirements.

And try and plan things like Fundraisers.

We are having our first fundraiser on Monday April 18th.
A local restaurant/pub is giving 10% of sales that day AND
having a silent auction of which 100% of the funds go to our adoption.

and I can try to apply for grants when our homestudy is finished.

The garden is getting planted,
things are really growing around here.
Including the sizes of our hearts.
Incredible blessing.

Thanks God.

My Love Language .. Or How He talks to me

2011-04-14T17:04:00.003-05:00

I received 4 text messages at 4:44 on 4/14.

If you are close to me, you totally get why this is pertinent.

It's how He talks to my heart. and I love it when I am listening well enough to hear Him.

Today 4/14. I got 4 text messages at 4:44.

IF you haven't seen Bruce Almighty ... you know "I'm available at 7 on the 7th". You totally should. It is a funny movie. and He really does speak in the small things, about the small things.

and this #4, to me is no small thing, but it is a 4th small thing.

I am too growing things...

2011-04-11T20:07:00.004-05:00

So, yesterday I turned these leggy plantlings...

Really, really Leggy seedlings

Into lovely, more uniform ...

plants.

These are my pepper, tomato and eggplants.

I am trying a couple of new varieties this year.

I cannot wait to see how they all do.

:)

Seriously ... poison whatever...

2011-04-11T19:51:00.003-05:00

Main Affected Arm
began breaking out last Tuesday after exposure Sunday during high winds.

Both arms have it, the left is patchier and the right is weepier.

That is the top of the right arm, on top of scar tissue from last year's run in.
I am now breaking out in little bumps all across there.

And this is my left ankle, a little streak turned into a nasty round patch
which is getting more bumps all around the original streak. And this is my side/tummy,
I can only guess it caught the urushiol oil when leaves and bark flew down my tank top.
It was completely protected with clothing.
yet it has streaks of bumps.

I also have it on my face under my right eye and
on my neck and behind my ears. (my hair was up)
I think I have some on my scalp too.

and yes, I have been scratching. Mostly as I sleep, I wake myself scratching.
so I stop and go back to sleep.

I have tried to be very vigilant and not scratch, rather use the Ivy Stop spray and hydrocortisone.

But, I am only human.

The spray did stop a patch on my chest from getting too bad,
rather it is a patch of red leather now. I have the same red patch under my eye,
no blisters, just leathery skin.

Just so you know... It's official.
You can catch poison oak when it has no leaves.

No problem. I have Antibiotic now and some different steroid anti-itch cream.

We'll see how it all does.

Did I mention we have our homestudy visit in 2 days.

yeah.

Excuse me while I clean.
everything.

Thanks for stopping by...

2011-04-08T15:20:00.002-05:00

I just joined in with the Ultimate Blog party and have been having fun cruising all around reading people's blogs.

Funny fact about me: I always feel silly leaving a comment on someone's blog. So sometimes I do and most times I don't. I am trying to get better.

I have been blogging for just over 3 years.

I love blogging and I learn so much reading other people's blogs.

We have 3 children and 1 angel baby in heaven.

We are now in the process of adoption. We were headed domestically, But the Lord has changed us over to a sibling group internationally - Taiwan. More on that later.

I am a plein air painter, I homeschool my children and love to garden.

Thanks for stopping by!
Visit often.

~ Paige

My arch nemesis ...

2011-04-08T11:41:00.002-05:00

Poison Oak ... has returned with a vengeance!

I have it on both my arms, my chest and neck and my tummy and under one eye.

Righteous Rashes Batman.

It does look to be better than last time. I worked outside last Saturday and started breaking out on Tuesday ... and it keeps spreading. It was very windy so it must have spread the oil all over my skin.

I might post pics and I might not. It is not pretty.

Anniversary Weekend ... Wurstfest 2011

2011-04-06T14:13:00.004-05:00

Sunrise over Hermann
the view from our room

I wish I had my paints with me...

The fireplace in our room

Gorgeous view on the way in to Hermann

Dessert brought to our room at 9:30p
Two chocolate cake/brownies
and ice cream with raspberry sauce.

this was our welcome tray

at wurstfest there was a booth with hilarious mustaches as part of their decor ... so we cut up ...

"You must pay the rent"

"I can't pay the rent"

"I'll pay the rent"

Happy Anniversary
to us.

Mr. BR

the four of us hanging out in Hermann

Yeah ... this is the wurst hat.

us, again,
aren't we cute!

The other day ...

2011-04-06T13:53:00.004-05:00

Remember this painting

Before Stellan got his Miracle.

Now he is a healthy happy handsome little guy.

I became a follower of her blog. and found many a blog that has humored and/or helped me along my way, simply by reading her blog and comments.

Two blogs of note:
I met Angie Smith (Her book I will Carry You = Lifechanging)
and Ann Voskamp (Her book 1000 Gifts = Lifechanging)

Anyway ... Thursday March 31 = we were totally blessed to pop over to a local rv park and visit with MckMama (yup, Stellan's mom) and her entire family.

They have borrowed an RV and are traveling cross county for a month or so. Enjoying the fresh air, meeting people in different cities and giving photo shoots (She is a stellar photographer).

We did not get to have a photo shoot :( that money needed to be saved for our adoption fund)

So, being myself. I emailed her a few days before they left to travel and arranged to have a picnic lunch with them right before her afternoon photo shoots at Laumeier sculpture park. It was a blast. Our children ran around with all her children and their puppy. Husbands talked, wives talked. It was great fellowship.

and fantastic to meet someone whose family has been in our prayers for over 2 years. :)

and still being myself... I neglected to take a single photo. and didn't have her take any either.
shoot. Oh well. My children were thrilled to meet them and hang out with them.

Beautiful Weather & Great People :)

so, I totally stole, um "borrowed" this post...

2011-04-04T23:26:00.003-05:00

from my new favorite blog ... Sit a spell

because I read the book. and loved it. and loved this post. :) thanks Heather!

Saturday, April 02, 2011

The Gift of One Thousand Gifts

I received the sweetest gift yesterday. In the mail. For me. Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts. A blog reader sent it to me. A handwritten note was hidden inside. Beautiful words. Lovely handwriting. I am an admirer of pretty handwriting. Mine is atrocious, so I marvel when I see words so wonderfully written. Thank you, "mbs" for this perfectly timed gift. You sent it a month ago. It just arrived. We could blame Haiti's mail system. I choose to believe that God knew I needed this book today. Now.

"Really, when you bury a child - or when you just simply get up every day and live life raw - you murmur the question soundlessly. No one hears. Can there be a good God? A God who graces with good gifts when a crib lies empty through long nights, and bugs burrow through coffins? Where is God, really? How can He be good when babies die, and marriages implode, and dreams blow away, dust in the wind? Where is grace bestowed when cancer gnaws and loneliness aches and nameless places in us soundlessly die, break off without reason, erode away. Where hides the joy of the Lord, this God who fills the earth with good things, and how do I fully live when life is full of hurt? How do I wake up to joy and grace and beauty and all that is the fullest life when I must stay numb to losses and crushed dreams and all that empties me out?" (Chapter 1, One Thousand Gifts)

Three pages into this book and unexpected tears were streaming down my face. Three pages and Ann Voskamp had already burrowed deep into the hidden parts of my soul, pulled up a chair, and gently said..."Let's talk about this. Cry. Let it all out." She squeezes my hand and whispers, "I know." The words in this book galloped through my soul...fast...hard...like a naughty horse heading straight for the barn.

Set the book down on the bed. Turn over. Let the hot tears fall. There is no stopping them. "God I want to know that you are good. And not just to me. To other people. To these people."

I know a Kingdom is coming. Sick babies. Sad mothers. Hungry kids. Abused women. Molested children. God will heal this. One day. We'll sing the song of justice. He'll wipe away these tears. The wrong will be made right. Restoration. One day. In the midst of all the hopelessness....my heart. It hurts. It hurts. It aches inside my chest for God's Kingdom to come.

But I want to be like the man in the Bible who said...

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)

I want to know that God is good today. In this Kingdom. This broken one. In the overwhelming sadness, I don't want to miss where God is already working all things for good. I want to hear the sound of a Kingdom advancing. Rejoice over the times when we get to see a glimpse of His will being done. Right here, like it is in heaven. I want to hear the song of redemption in Haiti. Celebrate the gift of seeing a glimpse of the Kingdom that is coming when wrongs are made right, the hungry are fed, the truth is declared, the weak protected.

One day we'll sing of God's goodness and grace so loudly, all creation will join in. But today...today. I just want to hear it. Hum it.

Me again:

I read this book and followed the video chapter by chapter at incourage bloom and was inspired to begin my own 1000 gifts journal. and just because. He is.

Remember this face...

2011-04-03T10:37:00.005-05:00

Medium,
right before the last class of swim lessons this session...

His stance:
I'll go, but I won't like it.

which is in fact incorrect,
he did like it.
a little.

and he worked hard

for swim lessons,

you couldn't ask for a more encouraging instructor!

She was very happy to work with him.

this first floating
he kept his left leg out of the water the whole time

His instructor is amazed
and happy he is floating!

I think he looks a little tense here,
but he is flat on his back and kicking well.

Medium, preparing to "dive" in

He held on each time he jumped in...

He did jump 3 times.

and then there is this one:

"I can't want swim lessons."

so, neither of the boys will be following my swimming footsteps (at least right now)
but they both have a healthy fear of water and
enjoy getting their feet wet
and blowing bubbles with faces in water.
At least I know they will be safer this summer around our little inflatable pool.

It might have been worth those first 3 weeks where small
screamed and cried
the entire 30 minutes of class.

maybe.

:)

True Story ...

2011-04-02T20:12:00.002-05:00

Beginning an adoption is like asking God to visibly demonstrate that you have absolutely no control over anything and truly have no idea what is good for you. It also is asking God to put on display how amazingly beautiful, loving, creative, mighty, and all-powerful He is!

and a whole lotta Hurry Up and Wait.

:)

Missing a Flamingo ...

2011-04-02T17:13:00.005-05:00

Flamingo is in honor of Mom
who passed away 4 years ago today.

Which got me to thinking.
When someone dies, and time has passed,
you look around and realize, they simply aren't there.

and you miss them.

I think of the orphan
whose parents simply are not there.

and how great the need is for them
to have a mommy and daddy to be there for them.

stability and someone to count on...

to kiss and hug and love and laugh
and hold them when they are hurting
and cry with them
and understand when they are missing someone or something
and to rejoice with them
over everyday wonderful things
and spectacular once in a lifetime things

and I think about our child(ren)
who are not with us yet
but may be alone
or missing someone
and
who undoubtedly
are missing having their mommy and daddy

and my arms feel empty
and my heart aches

and I plant things.
to symbolize growth and life.

in the midst of brokeness and death.

and I think about my mommy.

I miss her.

I am sad she doesn't see my children.

all of them.

these were her hyacinth
and her narcissus.

and they bloom every year,
no matter where I replant them.

and they were her mothers before that.

and now, on to gardening...

Our bare root crop was planted today. :) I put 100 Strawberry plants into a pyramid and some planters today. It was fantastic weather and the boys were able to get a little vitamin D digging in the dirt in the spot where we plan (ha, someday) to put in that brick patio.

and these are my brussels and broccoli.

and these are the blueberries.
The two on either end in front are looking spectacular.
laden with blossoms, that will be fruit soon.

this is the small strawberry planter.

These are the two larger planters.
(I bought all three for $5 at a yard sale. I know.)

This is my strawberry pyramid.
It has about 75 plants in it now.
Pretty.

It will be even lovelier when it is covered with netting and
has green plants leafing and blooming
and the sprinkler is on!

these are the peas.

2 rows.
We'll see.
Last year they flopped out on me early.
This year I got them in the ground at least 3 weeks earlier.
I will also replant them in the fall.

The garden looks like this so far.
I need to add a little more mulch.
and the rest of the seeds and plants.

and a dozen earthboxes in the middle there,
on either side of the steps.
*the steps are so the children can run through the garden*

Handsome, yet strangely grumpy dude.

2011-04-01T16:53:00.001-05:00

Medium, not wanting to go to swim class.

Ha, I say.

He went.

Peas Porridge HOT ...

2011-03-31T10:24:00.005-05:00

I may have let these root a little long...

I put them in the ground yesterday afternoon!

The process for "rooting" the peas can be found here...

http://apaetoday.blogspot.com/2010/03/high-density-pea-planting.html

thank you again Paul for your
Master Gardener prowess.

Now

Onto life

don't keep looking if you have a weak tummy ...

And this is the healing graft site on the roof of my mouth

OUCH.

Now, 2 weeks later, it feels like a pizza burn.

Still not letting food touch that part of my mouth.
and Orange Juice - No way.
It's water. All day.
:)

(sorry for the view!)

I do feel better. The grafts, which I am not posting a picture of, because, are healing nicely.

Who knew it would take so long to feel better, but I am glad it does.

Life is busy...

we are off on a spring break adventure today. :) I will post about that later!

Seriously... No time...

2011-03-30T22:48:00.003-05:00

Little man small,

having his "coffee" soup.

Look, it's like daddy's coffee. :)

what?

I simply love him.

I feel like before the end of the day, I am out of time. I have been so very busy lately. Hardly time to rest.

or plant the peas... which were sprouty before this past weekend. they went into the ground today. Love it.

Even though we just had a night away... I am out of time. for this post, for this day... I am off to bed... to sleep and jump up and do it again tomorrow.

So much to say, but it will have to wait for another post. :)

Pictures Pictures Everywhere ...

2011-03-25T13:22:00.003-05:00

Us, early spring.

True Story ...

Seriously ... All we, um, I have done lately (besides home-school, garden, parent, have oral surgery, play and prepare for Augusta Plein Air, that is) is go through many many pictures for our profile and read ooodles and oodles of adoption books and write lengthy reports for our homestudy. Busy, yes, fun YES! (except the oral surgery, UGH) Hubby and I both had to do the reading and writing, it was a fun thing. I always loved to devour a good book and it was nicer together. The children have even begun reading (some) of the books. They are getting excited about our adoption as well.

Mouth healing, although too slowly for me. I still have to eat soft food and all that touches the roof of my mouth is super painful. Grafts look good and feel better than yesterday, that is progress. (um, never again, did I say that yet?)

:)

Happy Anniversary and the stitches are out ...

2011-03-23T09:11:00.000-05:00

Happy Anniversary to the Love of my Life!

and in other news... the stitches came out this morning ... Yippee!
Still painful and on soft foods, but at least there is no more silly putty or plastic tray!!

my oh my ... mouth

2011-03-21T10:10:00.002-05:00

I had oral surgery last week on Tuesday.

A Gum Graft. (actually two)

IF you have a weak constitution, don't keep reading.

:)

They cut tissue in two spots from the roof of my mouth and stitch it to my gums. Ouch.

When the dentist first mentioned it, I asked what it felt like. He said it was like getting a tooth filled. And the roof of my mouth would feel like a bad pizza burn.

Only it's NOT. I am still waiting for it to feel that good.

In the middle of the procedure, as he was stitching (see, stitching, not stitch) I knew I was in trouble by how Looooooong the thread was he was using. It was stretched out from my mouth, presumably the first stitch. It was much shorter when he was done. yikes.

The grafts are on the left lower side of my mouth, across the front two teeth and the back molar, between the cheek and teeth. Right now they are covered with a silly putty like substance, that he called a dressing or bandage. That will come off on Wednesday and they will take out my stitches. I think I want Novocaine for that.

I also have a tray over my top teeth (like they make for bleaching), which reaches back over the roof of my mouth to protect that area, really handy to drink my smoothies or milkshakes and keep my tongue from touching it.

It is better, and continues to heal. Though too slowly for my taste. (ha ha) I did find a new soup, Pacific organic tomato. Fabulous.

I was kind of hoping I would lose a few pounds, but soft food includes Ice Cream. So maybe not.

Some awesome pics...

2011-03-14T10:20:00.002-05:00

these are from last summer
we just found them :)

Small on the slide

Small

Medium

Small

seriously ...

2011-03-10T19:57:00.002-06:00

I am so busy ... Reading adoption books and writing summaries, planting seeds and keeping them watered, teaching these children, cooking these meals, cleaning this house, having lots of dental work done (ach), filling out endless forms and mailing them to our homestudy peeps, reading adoption blogs, articles and books (oh I said that twice on purpose) ... that I simply have not had time to update ... :( sorry about that.

We really are okay here; Tall had her first driving lesson with a professional driver (what? we felt she would benefit from another perspective and possibly the brake in the passenger seat of said training car!), Small had to be taken to the ER Sunday night after a spell of croup was beating us and the hot shower and the cold night air, he apparently needed the prednisone to get his vocal chords back in shape, Medium is getting along swimmingly in his swim class.

that said, I must go back to my reading summaries while the daddy picks up Tall from a night volunteering with the Zoo.

:)

Scripture and a snapshot... Spring

2011-03-06T09:05:00.002-06:00

The spring sky around here is gorgeous.

Psalm 147:8
He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.

and then we went to the Magic House ...

2011-02-21T21:04:00.014-06:00

We took our birthday celebrating children to the Magic House today
(thanks to the Groupon from a few weeks ago!)

Here is the day in pics ...

Small decided this tray of cutting fruit
was his new toy
He liked it
a lot
he cut it
a lot

He preferred it over painting and play-doh.
That says a lot! :)

Medium was having a blast building things

with another little long hair dude.
who, hilariously
kept thinking Medium was a girl?!
Too funny.

Small kept cutting the fruit...

we saw and played with everything today...

including the impressions wall...

We took a friend of Tall's ...

Hubby

Tall

Kennedy

Small in the water room

There was small serving us some pizza.
so cute.

Hubby's hand
inside handprint of Rams football player

then there was the hair experiment

to which medium refused to take his braid out

and small ran away the first time.

the Bob the builder exhibit was a HUGE hit
small on Muck

Medium building a wall.
seriously.

Small rang the tiny liberty bell.
(after the other 3 did!)

Kereoke

Medium proud of his flag

Look how it blows his face off
when putting things in the tube.

Tall taking a turn as a Judge

Chris at the Resolute Desk

Medium makes a great Judge!

Outside in the Bob the Builder exhibit.

the girls painted the walls ...

silly

Oh yeah, running the big machinery

Medium was an iron worker

Tall mixed cement

Kennedy helped dig.

again with the painting

Beautiful Girls

Small hard at work playing.

Such a proud worker

We had a great time, for less than half price. It was a fun day and a great birthday treat.

We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming or BIRTHDAY !!!

2011-02-21T20:46:00.006-06:00

Happy Birthday Small!

This is a usual breakfast of 5 or 6 things for him...

He is a well balanced breakfast eater,
never missing second breakfasts
or elevensies.

a quick thought on my handsome medium.
mmm. He is handsome.

then again,
so is my birthday guy!
mmm.

this is his luncheon sundae

(everybody note the pic in the background,
why yes it IS the Beatles!)

It really was a perfect birthday.

Poking it's head out. ...

2011-02-16T22:12:00.001-06:00

The broccoli seeds WIN!

They are the first

at just 2 days

to poke their heads up and sprout. :)

See my happy face. :)

And a big shout out to Grandma and Grandpa who won over the hearts of the children this Valentines! They all 3 loved the cards and goodie bags! Thanks!

Get well soon Little Man...

2011-02-15T10:09:00.003-06:00

That is a disco dancing ball above his head,
and the green dots are the reflective pattern.

Medium walked by as I was reading a blog today, and when he saw a picture of
a little guy in a hospital bed he asked who it was...
and then proceeded to draw him a get well card.

Apparently, his memories of his own experience crop up
whenever he sees any child with an injury.
and his compassion gift breaks into a run...

Many prayers offered up today for "Little man"
you can check out his story at this blog:

Just another day in paradise

What to do on Valentine's day...

2011-02-14T20:58:00.006-06:00

Candy hearts at breakfast for all the lovelies = check

Homeschool = check

Heart shaped sandwiches for lunch = check

3 loads of laundry = check

Pasta & handmade by lovelies valentine cards at dinner table = check

Eat Free Cake after supper and then watch a movie with two happy sons = check

Read blogs all night = check

Plant seeds = check

that means as of this evening: I have three kinds of peppers, broccoli, two kinds of eggplant and brussel sprouts germinating.

whoo -hoo for spring gardening. and for starting seeds on Valentine's day.

It's a good life. and apparently I inherited some kind of farming gene.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T12:09:00.006-06:00

Wuv, Twue Wuv

I Heart You

Or in my own love language ...

and then there was this cake...

by Little Bird Bakery.

Love.

and now for something completely different

2011-02-13T18:00:00.002-06:00

As you can see, this year my blog got a new look.

And I added some buttons to show you some of the people (in the blog world) that I follow and am praying for.
(Um, they have buttons, because they actually have buttons with html on their site you can cut and paste quite easily - I actually follow and pray for lots of people on blogs)

Anywhooo... this little guy Jonah I have been following, I think I found him on the McMama blog and the whole pray for Stellan, and God healed Stellan adventure Amen... so, over a year or more.

this little guy Jonah has a rare disease and they are holding a bloggy fundraiser on February 24th at 8p - 27th at 8p to benefit research for his unique disease EB.

This is the link...

http://jonahsebauction.blogspot.com/2011/02/2011-auction-details.html

Check his story out, he is a little miracle everyday AND so are his parents.

Her main blog page is before the morning .

Our prayers are powerful, our living God is good.

Stuffed Shirt

2011-02-11T19:00:00.003-06:00

Apparently, small has been "bulking" up. hee hee.

(actually, he has his soft footballs stuffed under there)
It makes for good fun on a snowy day.

The diet is over ... and some Stuffed Peppers...

2011-02-10T18:14:00.004-06:00

The cleanse thingy is OVER!

I lost 10 pounds.
IT was WORTH it!

We are still trying to eat healthy.

Stuffed Sweet Bell Peppers

Prepared plate with broiled brussels.

Tonight we had stuffed peppers. YUMMY!

I make them with Sweet Bell Peppers instead of the standard green bell peppers. Reason: a sweeter less intense "bell" flavor. The children eat these up. This is my mom's recipe, deeply modified. :)

Stuffed Sweet Bell Peppers:

Prep = 40 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes Preheat 375 degrees

Ingredients:
6-8 Sweet Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow or Orange)
1 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 Cup chopped onion
1/2 Cup chopped carrot
1/2 Cup chopped celery
1 Can diced tomatoes
1 Can tomato sauce (I end up adding 2)
1 clove minced garlic
1/2 - 1 tsp leaf oregano
1/2 tsp leaf basil
salt/pepper to taste
1 1/2 tsp Worchestershire
1/4 Cup Sugar
3 -4 Cups cooked Brown Rice
1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef - browned
Shredded cheddar

Pre Cook brown rice (this takes 40 minutes). Brown ground beef and set aside.

Prepare bell peppers - remove tops, stems, seeds and membranes (leave pepper whole)
Rinse them. Drain and set aside.

In olive oil, brown onion, garlic, carrot and celery. Add Tomatoes, sauce and spices; simmering for 5-10 minutes. Add ground beef and rice until evenly mixed.

Stuff the peppers with rice mixture. Set in greased pyrex 9 x 9 or 9 x 12. Add extra rice mixture around the peppers and top lightly with cheddar.

Bake 30 minutes at 375 degrees. Serve with green vegetables or salad.

Workboxes

2011-02-04T23:23:00.003-06:00

We use the "workboxes" idea for homeschool.

This is what my system looks like...

I purchased the wire rack (it's a shoe rack) at Target
for $14. We actually used it in our old coat closet for a couple of
years before I pulled it out to utilize it for our work box system.

I wanted to show that you can put two different size plastic boxes
on the shelves. The skinny ones are by Sterlite. The larger ones are Snaplock.
Both Target items.

The two on the very bottom are for small, so they don't really have numbers.

The nicest things about my workboxes:
1. They snap closed
2. All books fit inside, lying down

The original idea I saw utilized those cardboard magazine holder thingys and you had to put everything in standing up. Which led to lumpy tippy cardboard boxes falling over, a lot.

The workbox system is pretty basic. You put your child's daily work, separated by subject. Your child works through their school day, box by box. When they have worked through all the boxes, they are done with school for the day. I put fun activities in the boxes too.

In the beginning, I would only put in a sheet of paper work for each subject. Now I leave the math book and the teacher math book in the math box with two sharpened pencils and an eraser and the ruler... so we always have what we need on hand in the box. The handwriting has my teacher book, his student workbook, notebook paper, 2 pencils and eraser. The art box has the art book, paper, crayons or markers. Easy peasy huh. You wish you were me, admit it :)
Oh wait, the shirt says
"I wanna be Chris"
I forgot, briefly. ;)

The toddler's boxes have dry erase pens and workbooks, crayons and coloring books and a sticker book. Pretty fun for him. Today we actually cut and pasted too. That was messy fun.

I'm brilliant. You're welcome.

and please don't notice any dust bunnies, if there are any. Jus sayin.

(in reality, I simply borrowed ideas from around the bloggy world to make it all work, except the plastic snap boxes, that was all me, I mean inspired by God me.)

IceaSnowapalooza 2011

2011-02-01T12:24:00.004-06:00

These are the two power lines,
that run between two large trees,
to get to our house.
(The top one is the power line,
I believe the lower one is the cable)

Enjoying the Icicles!

Snow is supposed to hit later today.

White Chicken Chili & 6 days to go...

2011-01-31T19:08:00.003-06:00

Breakfast
2 egg omelet (no surprise really)
1/2 chocolate protein shake

Lunch
Spinach salad with Annie's Tuscan dressing

Dinner
White Chicken Chili
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 bag Northern beans
1 med onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
a couple of jalepeno slices (I use jarred)
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp oregano leaves
1 tsp marjoram leaves
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 Cups Organic Chicken Broth
3 Cups Water
1 tsp Lawrys Season Salt

Cube and brown chicken in Extra virgin olive oil. Put all remaining ingredients into crockpot and stir to mix thoroughly. Add chicken and cook on High heat for 5-6 hours. Can be cooked on low for 10-12, but the beans tend to be overdone.

I have enjoyed the cleanse thus far, especially the 10 pound weight loss I am currently sporting. I wonder if the weight will stay off, if I continue to eat this way. :) The only thing I do not like is that I have spent more on food this month than I am comfortable with. I will have to find a way to decrease my food budget. Spring, summer and fall would help considerably; eating in-season fruits and veggies.

Scripture and a snapshot ...

2011-01-31T14:46:00.004-06:00

Arise my love, my fair one, come away...
let me see your face, let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet and your face is lovely.
Song of Songs 2:13 - 14

Artist at work

2011-01-28T10:58:00.003-06:00

Medium hard at play ...

You can see it spinning. :)

Dandy & GrandDawn
gave him SpinArt for Christmas.

This is the second day in a row it has been in play.

I'd say ... HUGE hit!

The boys are always begging to paint or play doh around here.
We get messy a lot. It's my favorite way to learn.

Beautiful!

Day 15 ... Leftover night ...

2011-01-27T19:32:00.002-06:00

Yup. We had leftovers.

Supper was leftover chili. Skyline style with corn spaghetti thrown in. mmm.

Lunch was Spinach salad with strawberries and blueberries. mmm.

Breakfast was a yummy omelet.

I am about 9 pounds down in 15 days. I hope it continues to melt away. The temptation to cheat is still lingering about. I always want a cookie or some sweet during the day. I don't eat any but I want to.

Today ... I moved a bunch of kitchen items, that I use often but not daily out to some shelves in my studio (okay, it's really a framed in, poorly insulated, concrete floor off the back of the house, but as long as my easel is out there, It's the studio.) I digress ... Now, little things I have been running up and down to get from the basement are all in one place. Like the Foreman grill and the pyrex take em containers. Not bad for only being in this house for 6 months. A few more boxes to unpack and I might have this moved in thing down. :)

Day something of this cleanse...

2011-01-27T07:16:00.002-06:00

Breakfast
1 egg omelet & 1/2 blueberry vanilla smoothie shake

Lunch
Spinach salad with fresh strawberries

Supper
Chicken and Mushrooms with brown rice and steamed broccoli

and I think it is day 14 ; past the halfway point!

(In)courage ~ Bloom

2011-01-24T22:45:00.002-06:00

~ A book community joining women to together to be challenged in a bloggy community. Daring them to receive what is between the covers of this book . . . Join me and many others...

as we go through a weekly study of

~ one thousand gifts ~ by Ann Voskamp

You can join the (In) courage Bloom community here:

http://www.incourage.me/category/bloom

There is still time to order the book and join us... it will be heart changing.

:)

What begins as an idea ...

2011-01-22T21:11:00.001-06:00

What begins as an idea and then gains momentum as God pours out His heart.

The Spirit of Adoption has hit our hearts and been confirmed by God for this season.

Chris & I talked about adoption before we married. It was one of our "puzzle pieces" of confirmation. Somewhere along the way of life and babies, it came down to not being able to afford it or it simply was not the right season for it, yet.

Since we lost baby Cadence in December of 2009, we have lightly discussed it.

We have been waiting on our time of mourning to end.

We have been waiting to see what God had to say about it.

We have friends who have adopted internationally. We have friends who have adopted domestically.

Several families within our church have adopted since we got pregnant with Cadence. We have prayed for them and with them. We have held their precious ones and watched them settle into their forever families.

As the new year approached, we began to talk about the idea. Rough, sketchy, wouldn't that be a cool idea. God's heart is really for the orphan. Let's keep talking about it. Then...

**SHA-BAM**

We receive a financial seed toward our adoption.

Insert tears of joy here.

Seriously.

Next thing I know God is talking, loud and fast.

Confirming it to us,

and then speaking directly about relying on Him for ALL the funds,

and confirming it to us.

Here I am Lord. Hear I am Lord. Here I am Lord.

Ever so sweetly He is singing His heart over us. His heart for the Orphan. His song of Justice about abortion.

There is a story about how He called us to this, complete with signs and wonders. It is for another day, another post.

Written 1/19/11 Posted 1/22/11

McLinky Blog Hop

2011-01-22T13:44:00.003-06:00

I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.
Joshua 1:5

and now what was there and not showing; Is.

Never Tried it, thought I would. I have been praying for and grieving with and praying for this family at Rosecommon Acres. I have been inspired by her faith in our heavenly father that she so beautifully hangs onto in every posting. Anyway, this was on her blog and I dug it! So I linked in. Enjoy.

Medium creates ...

2011-01-22T13:09:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas Lizards and Bats

You shall fly Robot!

Fridays Dinner... Polenta with marinara

2011-01-22T11:18:00.003-06:00

This is the polenta & nicely broiled brussels

Polenta (after going back under broiler for a few extra minutes)

Polenta nicely covered with red sauce

Prior to going in
I did not use anything on the polenta
the brussels have olive oil on them

This was the biggest hit
Sweet potato "fries"

Waiting in a warmer dish
(this served all 5 of us)

mmm
I really loved these brussels!

Breakfast
2 egg omelet

Lunch
Wild Blueberry Vanilla protein shake

Snack
Green Apple

Supper

Polenta with Marinara sauce & broiled veggies

Easy peasy. Place a piece of foil in the bottom of your broiler pan. Put sliced sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts on it and lightly toss with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Broil for 10 minutes, turn once and broil an additional 10 minutes. Take out and put in serving dish, covered with lid. Then placing a new piece of foil in broiler pan, place polenta slices (buy a tube, slice in 1/2 inch slices) in the broiler for about 10 min each side or until nicely browned. Take polenta out, place slices on plates and cover with warm marinara sauce. Serve with broiled veggies.

Dinner in roughly 35-40 minutes. Easy.

Late evening snack
Guacamole and corn chips

I'm a funny blogger ... and follower ...

2011-01-21T18:32:00.003-06:00

and by funny I don't mean ha ha. I mean more like odd.

I don't comment on other peoples posts very often. (commonly known as lurking)

I almost never link to anyone elses blog. (I just forget, but I am trying to get better)

I really never debate things.

sometimes, as I lurk about the blogging world I find things that hit me just so.

This post by aartipaarti did just that. (make sure you scroll down in the post to the pictures, specifically the stomach picture.

http://www.aartipaarti.com/2011/01/17/respectful-eating/

I simply found the picture of the stomach and the picture of the very large coffee cup, um awakening.

I gave up coffee (yes, feel sorry for me, I still love the smell) awhile ago. I am that very energetic person that people tend to think has already had too much caffeine today. and that's when I am decaffeinated.

Caffeinated, I'm too much for most. By that I simply mean, my mind goes a million miles an hour and so does my enthusiasm and conversation. I'm overwhelming for some (but not all, I do have friends who LOVE me!)

Someone once said I had an incredible zeal for the Lord and for life. I agree. I do love my Jesus. (though it was years before that word (Jesus) meant all that it means to me now, for years I could hardly say Jesus.) (at least without feeling fake)

and I'm not a professional writer and I love parenthesis and ... a lot. :)

Oh. look I digressed. hmm.

I simply wanted to point out that during this cleanse I am doing, I am noticing so many more things about cooking and eating and general food habits (bad ones) that surround us all daily. I have been taking my family on a better course of food and habits for a couple of years now. I have not eaten as well as we are on this cleanse. And that, my friends is how we are going to continue. Eating well.
We all like the food. It may cost more, but the end result is worth the work (gardening) and expense (shopping for local fresh produce).

Day 10

2011-01-20T19:10:00.004-06:00

Even a dinner plate is a work of art!

The post is all white because Yup, it was a snow day.

Now, all kidding around aside...

Breakfast (big surprise here...)
1 egg omelet + handful of blueberries

Lunch
Guacamole + Corn chips

Supper
Scallops
Grilled asparagus & butternut squash
(I simply threw them under the broiler for about 15 minutes with a light drizzle of Extra virgin olive oil)

mmm

Now onto family movie night...

Day 9 ... Leftovers AND Stirfry

2011-01-19T16:49:00.001-06:00

Today's post is courtesy of Leftovers and the letter "S".

Breakfast
2 egg omelet

Snack
Green Apple Slices

Lunch
Guacamole & Corn chips

Supper
Leftover Chicken, Rice, Veggie AND Fresh "S"tirfry.

mmm

Day 8

2011-01-18T19:43:00.002-06:00

So, today we did our first bottle of the liquid cleanse. Man, that stuff needs stevia, and then it tastes to me like diet sweet tea. only chalkier, if that makes sense. Well, it wasn't great, but it wasn't undrinkable either.

Breakfast
2 egg omelet

Lunch
Re-heated Leftover Veggies

Supper
Lemon Chicken & Capers
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded gently to 1/4" thickness)
1/2 tsp sea salt (sprinkled on chicken)
2 TBSP fresh mint, chopped (I used dried) but really, fresh is waaaay better
1 TBSP fresh basil; chopped (I used dried)
2 tsp fresh thyme; chopped (I used dried)
2 tsp sun-dried tomatoes
2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
1/2 Cup organic veggie broth
2 TBSP lemon juice
1 TBSP dried minced onion
2 tsp cornstarch
1/4 Cup red wine (can be omitted - use veggie broth instead)
1 TBSP small capers

Combine the mint, basil, thyme and sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl and mix well; spread this filling over chicken. Roll each piece of chicken up and secure with wooden toothpicks. Heat olive oil on medium heat in large skillet (one you have a lid for). Brown the chicken for about 10 minutes, until lightly brown on all sides. Stir in veggie broth, lemon juice and onion. Simmer covered about 10 minutes or until the juices run clear. Remove chicken rolls from heat, set aside in separate dish, keeping warm. Combine the cornstarch and wine in a small bowl, whisking until smooth. Add to skillet and stir until smooth, cook until mixture is clear and thickened. Stir in capers. Serve "gravy" over each chicken roll. Perfect with brown rice and steamed vegetables.

Snack
Green Apple slices

Day 8 and I was blessed to not cook!

2011-01-17T23:16:00.003-06:00

Normal eating day

Breakfast
2 egg omelet

Late lunch early supper
We were guests at Casa LoRusso.

Roasted Veggies
Butternut squash, carrots, fennel and brussel sprouts.
MMMMMM!

Wonderfully lean standing roast

View of the table

Fresh Salad
with green apple dressing

Brown Rice

It was fabulous and all the children ate their veggies (except small, he was finicky today).

Mid Evening snack
Protein Shake

Things are blossoming ...

2011-01-17T12:48:00.003-06:00

This is my Dwarf Venous Orange Tree

This is a tiny blossom.
One of Three.

This is as in focus as I could get on an open blossom.

I am excited that this tree is doing so well. I got it a couple of years ago for my birthday. (Thanks Mom!) I have kept it in indirect light during winter and outside all spring, summer and fall. I have only transplanted it once. I expected it to be another year before it bore any fruit.

If it truly is self pollinating, I should see 3 tiny oranges grow from it this year! I will keep posting pictures.

Day 7 Grilled Brisket and veggies

2011-01-17T12:00:00.004-06:00

Breakfast
2 egg omelet

Snack
Green apple slices

Lunch
Brown rice pasta with pesto sauce

Supper (I love to use the grill in winter!)
Grilled Bloody Mary Marinated Brisket
1 3lb Brisket (trim off fat)
1 Cup Spicy V-8 Low-sodium
1 TBSP Lemon Juice
1 TBSP Lime Juice
2 cloves garlic - minced
2 pinches cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp celery salt
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Olive Oil (don't whisk in)

Score meat on both sides - shallow diamond cuts. Place in a 9 x 12 pyrex baking dish. In medium bowl whisk ingredients and pour over meat. Cover and refrigerate or cover and let stand at room temp for 30 min only. Grease grill with olive oil. Preheat to Medium heat. Sear meat 10 min per side - let meat rest 10 min. In small pan - simmer marinade for 3-5 min until slightly thickened. Thinly slice meat and serve drizzled with saude.

Snack
Green Apple Slices

Day 6 Butternut Squash Soup mmmmmm

2011-01-15T16:43:00.003-06:00

Some of the making of Butternut squash soup.

Puree this before serving!
This is the kind I buy, usually at Dierbergs
(beware for this diet, the chicken broth has yeast in it)

this what the squash looks like cubed and added to softened veggies.

Breakfast
2 eggs and 3 fresh strawberries

Snack = none

Lunch
Spinach and Romaine Salad with evoo and lime juice and a handful of sliced almonds

Supper

Butternut Squash soup
one 3 lb Butternut squash; peeled and cubed
2 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil (put in pan on med-low heat), Add 1/2 Cup chopped celery, 2/3 Cup diced onion, 2/3 Cup diced carrot. Saute until soft then add 1/2 tsp thyme. Add in cubed squash and 4-6 Cups of Organic veggie broth, season with salt and pepper.

Bring this all to a boil and simmer until squash is soft. Use an immersion blender to puree.

I added a 1/2 cup of pumpkin and 1/2 cup organic unsweet applesauce.(yup, homemade)

Served with brown rice crackers and a side of steamed green beans. Heavenly.

How is it I am losing any weight on this diet? hmm.

Day 6 ,,, Headaches and the diet...

2011-01-15T09:36:00.003-06:00

So today is Saturday.

Friday, I went and had my blood pressure taken.

I have been having a headache all week, some moments worse than others, but never subsiding completely. and no, my sinus (es?) are not tender or afflicted. After 5 days of it, it occurred to me that perhaps my blood pressure was too high.

sigh.

I did not want to be right. It was at 152/100. Egads. I noticed the headache the first day of the diet. I began to wonder if I was allergic to something in the protein shakes? or perhaps my body was simply rebelling against losing sugar and gluten? (ha)

On the drive back from the urgent care that checked my pressure, it occurred to me (thanks HS) that my body might not be uptaking the medicine correctly since I changed my diet.

So ... I am trying to NOT have a shake for breakfast or dinner (when I take my medicine) in hopes that it will alleviate the problem.

I did not have any shakes after lunch yesterday. and the headache went all night.

And now it is 2 hours after breakfast ... and I have a splitting headache and a flush in my cheeks.

I am so totally about to eat some bread. (not really, but I do want to)

No worries - I see my doc on the 24th for routine checkup ... will solve this problem then.
and I will do some independent research on my particular medication and the effect of diet on uptake of it.

(in the meantime - I am down 4.5 pounds already - wow)

Day 5 Red Pepper Chicken on Hummus

2011-01-14T13:25:00.003-06:00

It was a hummus kind of day, so I decided to keep the theme going...

Breakfast
1 egg omelet & 1/2 protein shake (This works for me, I'm not hungry til noon)

Snack
Green Tea

Lunch
Spinach salad with Tablespoon of Hummus as dressing

Hummus (the best ever)
4 TBSP Fresh lemon juice
1/4 C Water
6 TBSP Tahini
2 TBSP Extra virgin olive oil
1 Can Garbanzo beans drained and rinsed
2 small garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp sea salt
sprinkle cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp paprika
chopped fresh parsley leaves

Mix lemon juice & water in small bowl, set aside. Mix tahini and oil in another bowl, set aside. Process garbanzo beans, garlic, salt, and cayenne in food processor for about 30 seconds. Scrape sides of bowl down and then with machine running, slowly add lemon/water mix via feed tube. Scrape sides again and add tahini/oil mix via feed tube while machine is running. Process additional minute until creamy. Top with drizzle of olive oil, parsley and paprika.

Snack
Green Apple

Supper
Red Pepper Chicken on Hummus
1/3 C Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp dried oregano leaves
Fresh Sweet Bell Pepper (red or yellow)
1 Large Portobello Mushroom Cap (cut into 1/2 inch strips)
1 medium white onion, halved and then cut into strips
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts OR tenderloins - cut into 1" chunks
~ 10 oz of hummus

Preheat oven broiler.

In large bowl, mix oil, salt, cumin, black pepper and oregano. Add peppers, mushroom strips, onion and chicken, mixing well to coat everything. Remove from bowl and arrange in single layer on a broiler pan. Broil about 10 minutes or until lightly brown and chicken is cooked through. Stir once during cooking. Prepare plates by spreading hummus in center of each plate, forming a small well in center of hummus. Place chicken and veggies on top. Serve hot with Steamed Green Vegetables.

Snack tonight = none planned!

Day 4 ... Leftovers...

2011-01-13T19:50:00.004-06:00

Breakfast
1 Egg Omelet + Half serving chocolate protein shake

Snack - handful of almonds

Lunch
Spinach salad with olive oil and lime juice
Brown rice crackers with almond butter

Snack - Strawberry Protein shake

Supper
Tonight I did not feel like cooking supper, so I simply had leftover chili. The children ate a frozen pizza. Perfect.

Snack
Green Apple!

Day 3 ...

2011-01-12T15:09:00.005-06:00

Breakfast
1 Egg Omelet & 1/2 Vanilla protein shake

Lunch
Brown Rice Pasta with Pesto

Snack Green Apple with Almond Butter

Supper
Bell Pepper Steak with Rice and Steamed Veggies

3 C Hot cooked Brown rice
1 lb lean beef round steak - cut 1/2" thick
1 TBSP Paprika
2 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 C Organic Vegetable Broth
1 C sliced green onion (yellow or white onion is fine too)
2 Sweet Bell Peppers, Red/Yellow; sliced into strips
2 TBSP Cornstarch
1/4 C EACH Water and Liquid Aminos
2 Large tomatoes; pureed

While rice is cooking, pound steak into 1/4" thickness. Cut into 1/4" wide strips. Sprinkle meat withg paprika and allow to stand while preparing other ingredients. Using a large skillet brown meat in oil. Add garlic and broth. Cover and simmer 30 minutes. Stir in onions, cover and cook another 5 minutes. In a measuring cup, blend cornstarch, water and aminos until smooth and stir into meat mixture. Cook, stirring until clear and thickened ~ 2 min. Add tomatoes and bell pepper strips, stirring gently. Serve over rice.

Seriously. I am eating very well.

Day 2

2011-01-11T16:38:00.006-06:00

Breakfast
1 Egg omelet - plain
1/2 Chocolate Protein Shake

Snack handful of almonds

Lunch
Spinach/romaine salad, with spoonful of sunflower seeds, a handful of fresh blackberries and a drizzle of lime juice and olive oil.

Snack - Green apple with spoonful of almond butter

Supper
Chili con carne
Gluten Free Crackers

Planned Snack - handful of blueberries

I wasn't hungry today (unlike yesterday) Adding protein in the morning really helped.

Chili Con Carne (adapted for this diet)

2 Cans red kidney beans
1 1/2 lbs lean stew beef
2 TBSP Coconut oil
2 medium onions chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1-2 fresh chilies, seeded and thinly sliced
3 TBSP Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free all purpose flour
1 TBSP Chili Powder
1 Can chopped tomatoes
1 TBSP Tomato paste
1 C Water
2 Cups Organic Vegetable Broth
1 Large red pepper, diced
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. After prepared, you will cook it for 1.5 hours in oven. Use a large oven safe soup pot (and lid).

Add half the oil to pan and brown half meat on medium-high heat. Using slotted spoon, transfer fully browned meat to a plate, while you brown the remaining meat. Remove meat and let rest. Adding the remaining oil, heat over medium heat for 1 minute, then add chilies, garlic and onions. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring to loosen the residue from the bottom of pan. Add the flour and chili powder and stir for 3-4 minutes. Add the beans, tomatoes and meat with it's juices. Then add tomato paste, water and vegetable broth. Stir until simmering, season with salt and pepper, cover and transfer to oven. Cook for 1.5 hours, adding the chopped pepper for the last half hour. Enjoy.

So precious

2011-01-11T10:41:00.001-06:00

Love this face
and those eyes.

Small...
so handsome.

Scallops G...

2011-01-11T10:25:00.003-06:00

I bought wild scallops fresh the other day, in order to create a lovely dish that aligned with our cleansing diet. Um, they don't keep well, so I cooked them right away.
I grabbed a recipe I had seen on a pbs cooking show with Jaques Pepin.

Happy Cooking!

Browning in Olive oil.

Cut fresh Lemon.

Gluten Free Breadcrumbs.

Chopped Mushroom caps.

Completed Dish.

Delish!

We were both impressed that the scallops did not taste "fishy" at all.

Scallops Grenobloise

From “More Fast Food My Way,” by Jacques Pepin

2 slices white bread
2 1/2 tablespoons peanut or canola oil (divided use) * I used Olive oil *
1 lemon
1 pound large scallops (about 16), rinsed under cold water to remove any sand
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons drained capers * I omitted - didn't have any on hand *
6 tablespoons ( 3/4 stick) unsalted butter (Also why it did not work on the cleanse!)
1/4 cup diced ( 1/2 -inch) white mushrooms (about 3) *I used two large mushroom caps*
1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar * Also not for cleanse*
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish *I omitted, none on hand*

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut the bread into 1/2 -inch dice and toss the bread with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Spread the pieces on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until browned. Set aside.

Peel the lemon, removing the skin and the white pith underneath. Cut between the membranes to remove totally clean segments of lemon flesh. Cut into 1/2 -inch pieces until you have about 2 tablespoons diced lemon flesh.

Remove any adductor muscles still attached to the scallops. Sprinkle scallops with the salt, pepper and the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil.

Heat a large, nonstick skillet over high heat until very hot, then add the scallops. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 2 minutes on each side. They should be nicely browned. Arrange 4 scallops on each of 4 serving plates and sprinkle on the lemon pieces, capers and bread cubes.

Heat the butter in a small skillet and add the mushrooms. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the butter browns lightly. Add the vinegar. Spoon the sauce over the scallops, sprinkle the parsley on top and serve.

Here is a link http://www.kqed.org/w/morefastfoodmyway/episode208.html to watch Jaques Pepin prepare this dish. Happy Cooking indeed!

New Year Cleanse

2011-01-10T14:51:00.008-06:00

Hubby and I are joining in with a group of friends, all participating in a 28 day cleansing program/diet thingy.

We start Today.

We will be cutting out all Gluten, Milk, Sugar and Caffeine. Along with following an Arbonne cleanse program. Woo Hoo.

I will be posting progress, recipes etc.

Today:

Breakfast:

Unsweetened Almond milk mixed with Arbonne Vanilla shake powder and fiber and a handful of fresh blueberries. mmm, only not really. It was very thick, like yogurt. I put it back in the blender and cut it with water, more to drink, better consistency. Next time 1/2 water 1/2 Almond milk. Not keen on flavor.

by 11 am I was hungry. Water, water everywhere.

Snacked on a handful of raw almonds, raw sunflower seeds and a couple of fresh blackberries.

Lunch at Noon-thirty. with water.

Lettuce with Annie's Lemon & Chive Dressing. Small handful of sunflower seeds in salad.
(not my favorite dressing - better with a touch of salt)

Decaf Green Tea

by 3pm HUNGRY> tummy growling. Must Drink my snacks!

Green Apple snack. Lots more water.

Dinner tonight will be at 5 ...

Chicken and Rice Stew

Chop celery and carrots coarsely - saute in Olive oil until soft. Boil boneless skinless chicken breasts with carrots and celery (and garlic, salt and pepper) for about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and strain through cheesecloth, reserving broth. Adding new diced carrots, celery to a saute pan with olive oil and saute until veggies are soft. Add veggies and diced cooked chicken to pot. Add reserved broth and uncooked brown rice and simmer for an hour or more. Add garlic, salt and pepper to taste.

That should fill my tummy yummy. I'll let you know.

It did! Yay.

Clausen in the Hausen & out in the Garden

Good Things

Approval!!

Speckled and Spotted

yup... they're here ...

Annual Decorate the House and Trim the Tree Day

Thankful

oh my...

Eggplant ..

Sometimes you have to borrow a little...

Oh I can too!

The cost of being a follower...

Serious Superheroes

Sharewalk 2011

11/1/11 Dossier

moving things along...

Fundraising Fundraising

October's Blooming Here

Worthy Watermelon

Sing for your Supper

Harvesting Late in the Summer

Walking it out...

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Beauty Growing Up

Online Adoption Auction - ENDED

Beautiful Day ...

Where's my ...

Small quotes of the day:

"Where's my 20 dang dollars?"

"We have to train those monkeys."

So. dang. cute.

Fresh Vegetable from the garden Gluten Free Lasagna

The garden is really growing now ...

Cucumber Soup and Zucchini Fritatta

Airport Picture ... and the rest of the story.

Jealous for Time ...

Birthday Birthday

Gorgeous Orange Roses

so much happens in summertime...

What's growing ... and what's not

How does your Garden Grow ?

Little Red Berries and the Small that ate them...

Seedlings, Adoption and general thoughts on life.

We're still here.

Oh sure ... Leaf out NOW....

Lotsa Lotsa Lotsa goings on.

My Love Language .. Or How He talks to me

I am too growing things...

Seriously ... poison whatever...

Thanks for stopping by...

My arch nemesis ...

Anniversary Weekend ... Wurstfest 2011

The other day ...

so, I totally stole, um "borrowed" this post...

Saturday, April 02, 2011

The Gift of One Thousand Gifts

Remember this face...

True Story ...

Missing a Flamingo ...

Handsome, yet strangely grumpy dude.

Peas Porridge HOT ...

Seriously... No time...

Pictures Pictures Everywhere ...

Happy Anniversary and the stitches are out ...

my oh my ... mouth

Some awesome pics...

seriously ...

Scripture and a snapshot... Spring

and then we went to the Magic House ...

We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming or BIRTHDAY !!!

Poking it's head out. ...

Get well soon Little Man...

What to do on Valentine's day...

Happy Valentine's Day

and now for something completely different

Stuffed Shirt

The diet is over ... and some Stuffed Peppers...

Workboxes

IceaSnowapalooza 2011

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.