An Old but New Read

It is nice to get back into a regular pattern of family devotions. Rich is going to be leading us through the book of 1 Peter on select weeknights, and in addition to that, all of us are going to read The Gospel According to Jesus. This year, in honor of the 20th anniversary of this life-changing book, John released a special revised edition with an extra chapter. I am excited to re-read this treasure. It has probably been 20 years since I have last read it, and it is no doubt one of John's most significant books ever. I really look forward to our family discussing the book together.

In my homeschooling career, I've never been a big fan of "bible curriculum." I don't know, but I am hesitant to trust even "Christian" publishers and I don't like to treat bible knowledge like just another subject in school. My preferred method has just been to just assign great books of the faith for my kids to read. My kids have had the opportunity to read some pretty good books, by authors like Jerry Bridges, A.W. Pink, and of course John MacArthur. Let me know if you need a recommendation list, I'd be glad to give one to you.

With a new season approaching, I'm feeling inspired to curl up with a book and read. I feel like during the summer, I didn't read much that was very deep or challenging, and I really miss that. When it comes to sitting down with a book, I struggle with laziness and not wanting "to think" after a busy day. One way to discipline myself into reading again is to choose a strategic time of day and begin with 15 minute increments. If you don't think you have time to read, try setting aside just 15 minutes a day to read from a book such as this. You'll be surprised how much you will gain and how much you really do have the time to stop and take a spiritual breath of fresh air.

Silly Kitty

This morning, I set up the ironing board in the family room so I could watch Food Network while I plowed through my stack of ironing. I went off to go do something, and this is what I saw when I came back. I suppose I could use this as a really good excuse not to iron! How cute is he? This cat just cracks me up!

Thankful

Today I'm thankful because my iron was high enough and I was able to donate platelets for Dan Gallagher. A few weeks ago when I tried, I was so sad to be turned away. So, I've been working hard to bring up my level, and today I was able to give successfully! Praise the Lord. I pray my platelets help Dan.

I have to say, giving platelets is a yukky experience. First of all, you should see the size of the needle they use! It has to be thick because platelets are donated in a very interesting way. The process removes your blood, separates out the platelets, then returns the blood to you all through the same needle at the same time. A milky-yellow bag of platelets is all that remains when you are done. An anti-coagulant is used in the process, which gives you an all-over weird body feeling and makes your lips and extremeties numb, cold, and tingly. By the end your arm hurts pretty good from keeping it still for 2 hours with a big thick needle in it! They ask you to squeeze a little stress reliever type ball every few seconds, and that just sends shooting pain up your arm. But, the amazing thing is, once you are done, you feel completely normal in about 15-30 minutes.

While it is a yukky experience, it is also a joyful one. Knowing that I am helping someone in this way makes my heart sing praise to God. I try to look at the process of a celebration of some sort. God has allowed me to be healthy enough to give platelets to someone else. So for me, it is a time of reflection on the goodness of God for the good health I am presently enjoying. How wonderful that I can have something to give that will literally sustain another human being. I don't mind the sacrifice one bit. And of course, when I think about what Dan is going through, I can certainly suffer through a couple hours!

Have you ever thought about giving blood or platelets regularly? Human blood and platelets cannot be fabricated. During Brady's battle with cancer, I was really enlightened to this need. My sister, Rich, and I have tried to be regular donors at the City of Hope since then. I know life is busy, so here's a wild idea for you - how about make donating a date with your spouse? Giving blood is really fast - the bag fills in about 5 mintues (of course there's processing time, which takes about an hour). I know City of Hope has extended hours on certain days, making an late afternoon donation possible, and I bet the Red Cross and other hospitals close to you might as well. Of course, they like you to eat a "hearty meal" after giving, so you two can have a lovely meal together afterwards.

Hebrews 10:24 ~ and let us consider how to motivate one another to love and good works...

Way Delicious Wednesdays Return!

I really have no right to post about food right now. Last night, I opened up 3 separate frozen plastic bags for dinner (all from TJ's): Orange Chicken, Stir fried rice, and broccoli. Pretty pathetic, but no one in my family seemed to care, so I got away with it.

One of the things I'm looking forward to most now that I'm back in a routine, is cooking. This was confirmed when I got on the scale a couple of days ago to survey the summer damage. Let's just say, there was damage. This is due, in part, to eating out a bit too much, camping a bit too much (funnel cake and s'mores), and frankly, not enough visits to the gym. Yep, I deserved it.

And, lately my iron has been low, so I'm trying to incorporate more honest-to-goodness meat into my diet. I guess this is a 40-year-old-woman-issue, as several of my friends are dealing with it as well. We're all trying different supplements and switching our diet a bit.

I'm going to try and give platelets again tomorrow for Dan, and by golly I want to be successful this time! I've been taking iron with vitamin C (helps absorbtion) and eating meat like mad! It's kind of funny to be looking for ways to eat meat. Just when you get away from red meat for health reasons, guess what happens to you? Your iron depletes. And just when you start loading up on calcium so you won't get osteoporosis, well, that depletes your iron too. Basically, a healthy high fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables depletes your iron. Nice. Even SPINACH depletes your iron (it's true). So, I thought I'd share a great steak recipe to raise everyone's iron. If you get a good piece of meat, you will not believe how juicy and good this is for how simple it is to prepare.

It's really fast and easy. All you need is a nice Rib-eye steak, some salt and pepper, and a heavy cast iron skillet. (Well, and a baked potato and some steamed asparagus would also be nice.) I got this recipe from Alton Brown years ago, and my hubby loves it. It's definitely his preferred method of cooking steak. He's going to be more than happy to eat this more often, to help me of course. He's so caring that way.

(Sorry no photo, I'm not making this until tomorrow!)

Pan-Seared Rib Eye

Place 10-12" cast iron skillet in oven and heat to 500 degrees.

When oven reaches 500, remove the pan from oven and place on the range over high heat. Coat steak lightly with EVOO and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Immediately place steak in the middle of the hot, dry pan. Do not move. Cook 30 seconds. Flip steak and cook 30 seconds more. Put pan back into hot oven and cook 2 minutes. Flip steak and cook 2 minutes more. Check to see if the steak is done to your liking. A minute or two more may be necessary if you like a little more well done steak. Don't overcook!

Transfer steak to cutting board, top with a little butter if you like and wrap loosely with foil. Let stand 2 minutes. Serve. Enjoy. Reap compliments.

First Day of School - at home

I guess this officially makes me "cool" in my kids' eyes. What more could I want?

You might want to supersize these to read the t-shirts!

I make the distinction at home because we officially began school yesterday with a field trip - to Disneyland! Yes, somehow, Luci Tubbs and I got conned into making the first day of school a trip to the happiest place on earth. Well, maybe conned is too strong a word. OK, we wanted to go as much as the kids did.

Don't tell anyone, but it was the most perfect conditions for Disneyland yesterday - NO crowds, (every ride a walk-on) coupled with mild and sunny 85 degree weather. Gotta love it. I can't for the life of me figure out why people flock to Disneyland during the 100 degree summer along with everyone and their mother, to battle the crowds and wait in long lines for the rides. Yesterday was ideal and a fine way to begin the school year. The teenagers in our group made t-shirts that said "my mom's cool - this is my first day of school!" They were so excited!

So, this morning came and the kids were great. At this point, with the ages my kids are, I never have to fear the first day of school as a rude awakening. Drew had already started a couple of classes at the College of the Canyons two weeks ago, so reality hit him a little sooner (the poor guy had to leave our last summer blast in Carpinteria last week to commute to school a couple of days). Drew was off at 7:30 to school this morning, and after waking Emma up (she had a late night last night) she got right to work today on her three videos. Her science class starts tomorrow and next week she adds E.S.C.A.P.E. theater to the line-up. We are returning to routine...ahh.

So, for me the day signified the return of me to my former job of stay at home mom. Sometimes I forget that is what I am! We had such a busy summer of on-the-run fun. So, I was delighted at the prospect to stay home all day today and a lot more in the future. And then my dad called and invited us to go see Batman in IMAX tonite, and everyone jumped on that except me (I found the movie repulsive and disturbing- don't even get me started). So, I wind up getting the evening to myself as well. I can't remember the last time that happened. Wow. So many possibilities...hmmm I think I'll vacuum.

One last tidbit about this first day of school - today I learned how to install itunes, download music to my computer and onto my ipod! I even learned the playlist feature. I feel like I'm in the 21st century now! This of course is all thanks to Drew who was very patient and showed me how. Then I had great fun buying some of my favorite music - don't laugh now- the Carpenters, Olivia Newton-John, and an assortment of 70's and 80's oldies. This could change my life. I now covet those little itunes gift cards that my kids always get for their birthdays!!

So, as this monumental school year begins (Drew's last year at home), I am enjoying reflecting on the happy homeschooling years we've had. I know some of you out there in the blogosphere are busy homeschooling several elementary school age kids, and the workload is heavy, but let me encourage you that when you look back you will have not wished that you had done anything else. It seems like yesterday that Drew was bringing me "Frog and Toad" books to ask me what certain words were and now he is applying to the Master's College. Emma only has a few more years as well...and let me tell you if I could slow time down I would! I cherish the years homeschooling my kids, and thank God for leading us to it, sustaining me over the years, and just for the amazing opportunity that it has been for our family.

Happy new school year, everyone!

Happy! Happy!

I'm so happy I could blog! My hubby just fixed my coffee maker, the one I've lived without all summer, because I busted it on our Yosemite camping trip. He took the whole thing apart, put in a new $1.50 part, and put it all back together. I just brewed a pot of coffee and it works perfectly. I am so excited I could scream!

You are probably wondering why I am so excited over a coffee maker. Well, this isn't just any coffee maker you see. This is the now obsolete Starbucks Barista Aroma Grande that my husband snagged me right before Starbucks discontinued them. I had always had the best coffee whenever we went to bible study at the Brooks' house, and Diane had the Barista. I always dreamed of getting one, so I dropped some not-so-subtle hints around my birthday time. And since that day 3 or 4 years ago, I've been one happy girl. Prior to getting the Barista, I still had the Krups machine we got as a wedding gift (17 years old at that point) and believed I really didn't like coffee "that much." Well, the Barista changed all that! I've been brewing up my favorite coffee ever since - Starbucks decaf Verona. Not only does the Barista turn out great coffee, it is totally user friendly, easy to clean, and looks downright stylish! I love the fact that the thermal carafe keeps the coffee hot, what a taste difference from coffee makers that have a warming unit and produce that wicked burnt coffee flavor. I adore this machine and wouldn't want any other. I think I have actually hugged it before.

So, listen to the dumb thing I did to my beloved machine. We were camping in Yosemite in June, and I decided to make a pot of coffee after dinner. So, I put the coffee in and turned it on. The only problem was, I forgot to fill the water reservoir. It made a strange sound and went kaput. The funny thing was, the Brooks were camping with us, and Diane did the same exact thing to her machine just minutes before I did! Neither of us had ever made this mistake before. But, for some reason, her machine survived but mine was not as fortunate.

So, Rich disassembled the entire coffee maker, taking many pictures of the process, to make it easy for him to fix and put it back together again. Then, dummy me, I lost the memory card the photos were on. Isn't that just the lamest thing ever? (I also lost vacation photos- UGH) So, he not only repaired the machine, but had to put it back together with no guidance. My hero. I threw my arms around him when the machine turned on!

Starbucks Barista, it's good to have you back. I love you. But I love the man that fixed you more!

A day of Good Eats

Yesterday was one of those exceptional culinary days. First, I got to celebrate my dear friend Pam's birthday at my very favorite restaurant in Santa Clarita, Abbey Lane. You can check it out here: http://www.abbeylanecafe.net/about.html (Sorry, I can't figure out how to hyperlink on my new computer yet) I had one of the best salads ever. On the bottom of this pretty large white bowl were mixed greens tossed with this amazing creamy balsamic dressing, then there was a generous layer of goat cheese chunks and toasted pistachio nuts, then on top of that were the most gorgeous perfectly grilled warm veggies - halved carrots, zucchini, and these huge portobello mushroom slices. The warm veggies made the goat cheese ooze...I asked for chicken to be added since I went to give platelets yesterday afternoon. The chicken was warm and tender. YUM! I know I'll have to deconstruct this salad and make it at home very soon. It seems pretty easy, and the dressing seemed to be just a basic balsamic vinaigrette with either a little cream or mayo mixed in. For my prayer group ladies who are reading this, we MUST order this salad next time (and, naughty me -I brought home a slice of the chocolate windmill cake.)

But that's not all. Rich and I went out to the Pasadena area to give platelets for Dan Gallagher in the afternoon. Dan is an old acquaintance of ours from church, who has recently been diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. You can check out his wife Pam's blog here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/thegallagherfamily

Anyways, in spite of taking iron supplements all week, and eating meat, my iron was not still high enough to give platelets. I have been giving blood semi-regularly at the City of Hope since Brady died, and I'm definitely one of those hit and miss patients. It's rare that both my blood pressure and iron levels are high enough to give. Ugh - it's so frustrating. My routine check-up blood work is always fine, but I guess you really have to be a certain level to donate. A friend told me about the effectiveness (and gentleness) of a liquid iron supplement she gets at Whole Foods, so I'm going to try it. There is nothing worse than being turned away, particularly when you were directing your product towards someone specific. I also found out that tea and coffee deplete your iron.

So I wandered around the all-too-familiar City of Hope (it's actually a beautiful place) until Rich finished giving platelets and by then it was dinnertime. Lucky us -Pasadena area has a ton of great eateries. Among some of my favorites are Barney's LTD, Green Street,, Marston's, Pie 'n Burger, The Hat, and Julienne. Pretty much all of those are Pasadena landmarks. Then I remembered that there was a Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles nearby and we have never been but always wanted to try. When I mentioned the idea, Rich heartily jumped on it so Roscoe's it was. Gotta love places like this, Roscoe's is definitely something you'd find on Guy's show, Triple D (for the culinarily challenged, that's the Food network show "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives"). The idea of fried chicken and waffles together is a curious one, and if you're wondering how that all works together let me wholeheartedly assure you - IT WORKS. It works just fine baby. We ordered the #3 which was just 1/2 fried chicken and 2 large 4-sectioned round waffles (that's it - no sides at all come with it). It was plenty of food for the two of us. It was an interesting 1/2 chicken: 1 breast, 2 leg, 1 thigh and 2 wings (Guess those 4-winged, 4-legged birds must be fast!) The chicken is pretty much fried chicken perfection in every way. Juicy, crispy, not too greasy but greasy enough. And the waffles were in a word...heavenly. They put two scoops of real whipped butter on top and serve it up with some really good fake maple syrup. And, if you dip the fried chicken into that syrup, it really sends you over the top. One funny thing about Roscoe's - KFC had the gumption to build one of their outlets RIGHT next door! What in the world were they thinking?

Way Delicious Wednesdays - Panini

I love anything Italian and anything with melted cheese on it. That's why I think Panini is a beautiful thing. My sister gave me a Panini maker awhile ago and it's always in good use in my kitchen. The best thing about Panini is you don't really need a recipe. You just grab some good bread and any filling ingredients that sound like they go good together. Panini is a great thing to make when it's 5:00 p.m. and you don't have any idea what you are going to make for dinner. Just scour your fridge for leftovers - grilled meats and veggies, cheeses, and you've got the makings for great panini!

Getting the sandwiches ready....

Last night I had my ladies prayer group over for dinner and decided to make Panini for them. I made two types - for the first I used Roast Beef, sharp white cheddar cheese, sundried tomatoes, and horseradish-garlic mayo. The second one was fresh mozzarella, pesto, artichoke hearts, and roasted red bell peppers. They both turned out superb. I assembled the sandwiches earlier in the afternoon, wrapped them in foil and refrigerated them, so all I had to do was brush them with olive oil and grill them when the girls arrived. Incidentally, if you don't have a Panini maker, you can make do with a skillet. Just put a heavy object (like a cast iron skillet) on top of the sandwich while it cooks. You won't get the fancy little grill "wedges", but it will taste mighty good just the same.

I love you, Cabot extra sharp white cheddar.

The ingredients I used sound exotic, but I just got everything at Trader Joe's. If you haven't had the Cabot extra sharp white cheddar they sell at TJ's, well, I'm really sorry. Drop everything and go get some. It's kind of like a cross between cheddar and parmigiano reggiano, it has those little crystally things going on and it is a fine little cheese that my family is addicted to. (I'm not exactly sure crystally is really a word but you catch my drift.) The bell peppers, sundried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts were all canned (and usually a staple in my pantry), and the pesto was storebought (the refrigerated kind). I made the horseradish mayo by whirling together some mayo, a large clove of garlic, a bit of horseradish to taste. (I just serve that on the side because not everyone likes mayo.)

So, as summer winds down, leave the oven off and make an easy dinner of Panini! A little fruit or veggie platter on the side, and you've fed your family very easily.

Way Delicious Wednesdays - Plum Crisp

Last week it was time to go remove the remaining plums and apples on the trees out front. My sister was here, so we grabbed the ladder and braved the strange green flying beetles to get the last fruit of summer.

We decided to make a plum crisp that night for dessert. I made the topping while Suzanne sliced 8 cups of plums. We had it assembled in under 10 minutes flat.

We baked it and served it warm with some good quality vanilla ice cream.

Little did we know it would be pretty much the best thing we've ever had for dessert.

I gave Suzanne a bag of plums to take home and she promptly made the crisp again. I sliced my remaining plums and froze them ready to be made into crisp. I also took my apples and prepared them for caramel apple pie and froze them. I made my kids the pie when they returned home from camp, and deep in my freezer lies the fruit of two more future pans of plum crisp. What a wonderful feeling.

By the way, for those of you wondering what the difference between cobblers and crisps is anyways, here you go. In fact, here are a few fruit desserts and their definitions, taken from my The Best Recipe cookbook:

Betty: Fruit is combined with buttered bread and cooked. Similar to a crisp, except the crumbs are layered with the fruit instead of placed all on top. Also called a Brown Betty.

Buckle: Fruit is mixed with simple yellow cake mix batter and baked.

Cobbler: Fruit is topped with a crust, which can be made from cookie dough, pie pastry, or biscuit topping, and baked.

Crisp: Fruit is topped with a "rubbed" mixture of butter, sugar, and flour, and baked. Topping often includes nuts or oats.

Crumble: An English term for a crisp, usually made with oats.

Plum Crisp

Filling:

4 cups plum slices (unpeeled)
1 T. flour
2 T. sugar
1 t. vanilla extract
½ t. cinnamon

Topping:

½ c. flour
½ c. oats
½ c. brown sugar
1/8 t. salt
¼ c. melted butter

Combine all filling ingredients and spread into a 1 ½ qt. baking dish. Combine all topping ingredients and sprinkle evenly over filling.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

*May double recipe and bake in a 9 x 13 pan.

So, before summer fades away, do yourself right with this comforting and absolutely delicious dessert. By the way, it makes a great breakfast, too (don't ask me how I would know this). Hey, it's fruit and oats.

Update on the Sandersons

Two weeks ago, I mentioned to pray for the Sandersons, Kyle and Stephanie, as their baby, Suzie, was born premature at 28 weeks. Suzie is currently at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena. She has several issues from just being a preemie, but she also still has some bleeding and swelling in her brain that is a big concern. Kyle and Steph have relocated to the Ronald McDonald house across the street from the hospital so they can be close by at all times. They have continued to send out faithful updates to everyone, as well as posting them on their blog. If you have time, go read the thoughts of this godly young couple - you will be encouraged!

Last night when we visited them, they invited us in to see Suzie in the NICU! We were so thrilled to go in and see her in person. It took my breath away to see her. I have never seen a baby so small in person. I expected her to be skinny and bony, but she isn't. While she isn't a fat baby by any means, she did have some good meat on her bones. She basically just looks like a perfect little miniature baby! She was awake and moving and even opened her eyes. She is absolutely darling- Kyle and Steph are so blessed! Going in to see her helped me put myself in Kyle and Steph's shoes - if I wanted to cuddle her, I can only imagine how heart wrenching it is for them to have limitations with their sweet little baby. I am thankful for their trust in God during this difficult time.