This week "Thursday Thank You"'s hits 500. That's halfway to 1000, which is my goal. If you haven't read the book 1000 Gifts, read it. I think I've said that, oh, a thousand times, so just believe me and do it.
This week I am thankful for. . .
491. getting to be just a small part of the work that is done through Kokomo Urban Outreach.
492. my husband, who graciously offers to give the kids their baths most nights. Have I mentioned how much I love him?
493. the journey of Lent and what I am learning through it.
494. family dinners.
495. new recipes.
496. answered prayers, especially for my dear friend Jennifer and her family.
497. my stubborn son, who still makes me smile.
498. my sassy daughter, who can rock footed pajamas like no other.
499. our first step in looking for a house to buy.
500. a Wittenbach visit this weekend.
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Turnip the Music
I hope you all are sick of my food puns. Sorry, I just can't help it. And I'm just not very creative with blog titles.
Anyway, as you can guess from the title, this week's new food is the turnip.
This is what a turnip looks like. I hear that turnip greens are really good for you. The turnip has some vitamin C, and I think it's lower in carbs than the potato, but nothing crazy nutritious. I tried to find a recipe for turnips, but I didn't have all of the ingredients for any of them. I did find a recipe for turnip fries. And although I've already made parsnip fries, I decided to go for it.
First step is to peel the turnip.
Then cut the turnips into fries. Drizzle with a little oil.
Put them on a pan that has been covered in foil and sprayed with Pam (or the Meijer equivalent of Pam). Mix together a couple of tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic salt, onion powder, and paprika.
Bake at 425 for 20 minutes.
The verdict? Really good! I'm so glad I didn't go with something different, because these were much better than the parsnips. They had good flavor and were just the right texture. We ate them all, so I would consider this adventure a success.
Now it's onto something new! Any suggestions?
Anyway, as you can guess from the title, this week's new food is the turnip.
This is what a turnip looks like. I hear that turnip greens are really good for you. The turnip has some vitamin C, and I think it's lower in carbs than the potato, but nothing crazy nutritious. I tried to find a recipe for turnips, but I didn't have all of the ingredients for any of them. I did find a recipe for turnip fries. And although I've already made parsnip fries, I decided to go for it.
First step is to peel the turnip.
Then cut the turnips into fries. Drizzle with a little oil.
Put them on a pan that has been covered in foil and sprayed with Pam (or the Meijer equivalent of Pam). Mix together a couple of tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic salt, onion powder, and paprika.
Bake at 425 for 20 minutes.
The verdict? Really good! I'm so glad I didn't go with something different, because these were much better than the parsnips. They had good flavor and were just the right texture. We ate them all, so I would consider this adventure a success.
Now it's onto something new! Any suggestions?
Friday, February 24, 2012
Crossing the Line
Yesterday at Bridges we did an activity that was incredibly powerful. It reminded me exactly why I work with these students.
All week they had been discussing diversity. To finish the week, the leaders wanted to show the students that no matter how different you may feel, you are not alone. So, they had all of the students line up, shoulder to shoulder, on a line. Then Casey, the leader, proceeded to read a statement. If the statement applied to you, you crossed over the line and walked about 6 feet across the room. There you turned around and faced the rest of your peers. Those left standing gave the "I love you" sign with their hands.
The statements started off very simple. Statements were easy, like:
I am a male.
I am a female.
But as the activity went on, things got deeper and more serious. These were just a few:
I have been made fun of before.
Someone in my family has a disability.
And then we got very intense. A couple of the more intense ones were:
Someone in my family is currently in prison.
Home is not a place where I feel safe.
And each time, students crossed the line, only to find that they were not the only ones dealing with these issues. Many, including myself, were moved to tears, as kids walked across the line, some with arms around each other, to step out and say, "Yes, this is me. This is the stuff I deal with."
One of the statements that really touched me was "My parents are either divorced, separated, or were never married." I'm not exaggerating, over 75% of the students crossed the line.
As we debriefed after the activity, students shared what this meant to them. Many shared that it was such a relief to know that others were struggling with the same things they were struggling with. Some were just so encouraged by the fact that nobody laughed when they crossed the line. Some cried, saying that it was the first time they had really acknowledged these things.
We hugged.
We cried.
We left thankful.
And I was reminded why I love working with Bridges kids. They can be frustrating and challenging and, well, middle schoolers. But they are also full of strength and passion. They are funny, smart, and brave. And I get to walk alongside them and tell them that God loves them and has a plan for them.
Maybe it's time we all crossed the line and were open and honest about what we are dealing with. Maybe it would help to know that I'm not the only one who is lonely, or who is scared I'm messing my kids up, or who has no idea what to do with their career. Maybe putting it out there will help others see that they are not alone either.
All week they had been discussing diversity. To finish the week, the leaders wanted to show the students that no matter how different you may feel, you are not alone. So, they had all of the students line up, shoulder to shoulder, on a line. Then Casey, the leader, proceeded to read a statement. If the statement applied to you, you crossed over the line and walked about 6 feet across the room. There you turned around and faced the rest of your peers. Those left standing gave the "I love you" sign with their hands.
The statements started off very simple. Statements were easy, like:
I am a male.
I am a female.
But as the activity went on, things got deeper and more serious. These were just a few:
I have been made fun of before.
Someone in my family has a disability.
And then we got very intense. A couple of the more intense ones were:
Someone in my family is currently in prison.
Home is not a place where I feel safe.
And each time, students crossed the line, only to find that they were not the only ones dealing with these issues. Many, including myself, were moved to tears, as kids walked across the line, some with arms around each other, to step out and say, "Yes, this is me. This is the stuff I deal with."
One of the statements that really touched me was "My parents are either divorced, separated, or were never married." I'm not exaggerating, over 75% of the students crossed the line.
As we debriefed after the activity, students shared what this meant to them. Many shared that it was such a relief to know that others were struggling with the same things they were struggling with. Some were just so encouraged by the fact that nobody laughed when they crossed the line. Some cried, saying that it was the first time they had really acknowledged these things.
We hugged.
We cried.
We left thankful.
And I was reminded why I love working with Bridges kids. They can be frustrating and challenging and, well, middle schoolers. But they are also full of strength and passion. They are funny, smart, and brave. And I get to walk alongside them and tell them that God loves them and has a plan for them.
Maybe it's time we all crossed the line and were open and honest about what we are dealing with. Maybe it would help to know that I'm not the only one who is lonely, or who is scared I'm messing my kids up, or who has no idea what to do with their career. Maybe putting it out there will help others see that they are not alone either.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
You never know
God has plans.
Big plans.
Did you know that?
Do you believe it?
I say I do, but sometimes I forget. And then God reminds me in ways that pretty much blow my mind, and I am stunned and thankful and humbled.
Let me back up, oh, 17 years. My first year of college was almost over, and everyone at Lincoln Christian College (now University) went on one of the many missions trips that was scheduled. For some reason, I ended up with almost all seniors on a trip to Jamaica.
It was a trip that affected me for many reasons. It was my first airplane ride. My first experience with cross-cultural ministry. My first time seeing true poverty. I left a changed person.
Another way the trip affected me is that I made some friends who are still my friends all of these years later. They live all over the map, and it has been so cool, thanks to Facebook, to reconnect with several of them.
Two of these people are Hank and Julie. They were engaged at the time of our trip, and I didn't really know them very well before the trip. Just in the short time I spent with them, I saw their love for God and also their incredible love for children. I still remember one little Jamaican boy from the church we were working with completely in love with them. I don't think he let go of them the entire time we were there. I also remember thinking, "These two are going to be great parents."
Fast forward to 2010. I went with a group from our church to Haiti. I've written lots and lots about Haiti, but the important point here is that I made yet another friend: Ginny. She still lives and works in Haiti, although now it's in Port-au-Prince and with a different mission. But we still keep in touch and have tried to help her on different occasions (Like with Nadine). About a month ago, she sent out an email about a little boy named Noah who needs to come to the U.S. to have a corneal transplant. It is all set up to take place in Boston, but they need a host family to take care of him while he is recovering.
Through the wonders of the internet, I knew that Hank and Julie, along with their daughters, lead a church in Boston. I sent them an email, hoping that they would know someone in the area who could help Noah.
Long story short (too late): Noah is going to be staying with Hank and Julie. Julie just sent me an e-mail explaining all of the cool ways God has worked to put this all together, including lots of people from their church.
So, to re-cap, two different missions trips, two sets of friends, two decades apart, all came together to help bring about sight for a little boy in Haiti. You can't tell me that God didn't have a plan.
Does God need me? Nope.
Does God love to let me be a part of His plans? Absolutely.
I know this post is long. If you've read it all, I applaud you. I just couldn't help sharing that God works in ways we might not ever understand, and it's amazing when we get to see just a glimpse of it.
Keep looking. . .
Big plans.
Did you know that?
Do you believe it?
I say I do, but sometimes I forget. And then God reminds me in ways that pretty much blow my mind, and I am stunned and thankful and humbled.
Let me back up, oh, 17 years. My first year of college was almost over, and everyone at Lincoln Christian College (now University) went on one of the many missions trips that was scheduled. For some reason, I ended up with almost all seniors on a trip to Jamaica.
It was a trip that affected me for many reasons. It was my first airplane ride. My first experience with cross-cultural ministry. My first time seeing true poverty. I left a changed person.
Another way the trip affected me is that I made some friends who are still my friends all of these years later. They live all over the map, and it has been so cool, thanks to Facebook, to reconnect with several of them.
Two of these people are Hank and Julie. They were engaged at the time of our trip, and I didn't really know them very well before the trip. Just in the short time I spent with them, I saw their love for God and also their incredible love for children. I still remember one little Jamaican boy from the church we were working with completely in love with them. I don't think he let go of them the entire time we were there. I also remember thinking, "These two are going to be great parents."
Fast forward to 2010. I went with a group from our church to Haiti. I've written lots and lots about Haiti, but the important point here is that I made yet another friend: Ginny. She still lives and works in Haiti, although now it's in Port-au-Prince and with a different mission. But we still keep in touch and have tried to help her on different occasions (Like with Nadine). About a month ago, she sent out an email about a little boy named Noah who needs to come to the U.S. to have a corneal transplant. It is all set up to take place in Boston, but they need a host family to take care of him while he is recovering.
Through the wonders of the internet, I knew that Hank and Julie, along with their daughters, lead a church in Boston. I sent them an email, hoping that they would know someone in the area who could help Noah.
Long story short (too late): Noah is going to be staying with Hank and Julie. Julie just sent me an e-mail explaining all of the cool ways God has worked to put this all together, including lots of people from their church.
So, to re-cap, two different missions trips, two sets of friends, two decades apart, all came together to help bring about sight for a little boy in Haiti. You can't tell me that God didn't have a plan.
Does God need me? Nope.
Does God love to let me be a part of His plans? Absolutely.
I know this post is long. If you've read it all, I applaud you. I just couldn't help sharing that God works in ways we might not ever understand, and it's amazing when we get to see just a glimpse of it.
Keep looking. . .
Monday, February 20, 2012
Plan B
My Valentine's gift was supposed to be a night out to Indy with David.
Yeah, that didn't happen.
We had two sick kids from Thursday night until Saturday morning. And while they were feeling tons better on Saturday, I didn't want to risk having someone else watch them and leave town.
Enter Plan B.
I decided since we couldn't go out, I would try and make something special for us to eat. These are Soba noodles, which are made from buckwheat. I found them on clearance at Meijer and did some research on Pinterest. You cook them just like any other noodle, and then rinse under cold water. You can eat them hot or cold, and they are usually used in Chinese/Asian cooking.
Once I cooked the noodles up, I mixed a little sauce for them of rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil (forgot to add to the picture), and green onions. I also stirred in some rotisserie chicken to add a little bulk to the meal.
Mix it all up and add some toasted sesame seeds.
The result?
Really good. This was one of the best "new food" tries we have had so far. David went to the local chinese take-out place nearby and bought some eggrolls to go along with the noodles, and I steamed some asparagus as well.
And while it wasn't the same as going out on the town with the hubby for Valentine's, it was a welcome relief from sick kids and working late.
Who knew Soba noodles could be so romantic?
Yeah, that didn't happen.
We had two sick kids from Thursday night until Saturday morning. And while they were feeling tons better on Saturday, I didn't want to risk having someone else watch them and leave town.
Enter Plan B.
I decided since we couldn't go out, I would try and make something special for us to eat. These are Soba noodles, which are made from buckwheat. I found them on clearance at Meijer and did some research on Pinterest. You cook them just like any other noodle, and then rinse under cold water. You can eat them hot or cold, and they are usually used in Chinese/Asian cooking.
Once I cooked the noodles up, I mixed a little sauce for them of rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil (forgot to add to the picture), and green onions. I also stirred in some rotisserie chicken to add a little bulk to the meal.
The result?
Really good. This was one of the best "new food" tries we have had so far. David went to the local chinese take-out place nearby and bought some eggrolls to go along with the noodles, and I steamed some asparagus as well.
And while it wasn't the same as going out on the town with the hubby for Valentine's, it was a welcome relief from sick kids and working late.
Who knew Soba noodles could be so romantic?
Friday, February 17, 2012
I spoke too soon. . .
I had a post planned about this guy who sits in his wheelchair by the side of the road with a sign that says "Will Work for Food". I have a dilemna about him, but I will have to save that post for another day. We had quite an eventful night in the Wittenbach house last night. Both kids were throwing up all night. It was surreal. I can't believe how much laundry we did in the middle of the night. Nobody slept, and everyone is kind of cranky this morning. But I am so thankful that we survived the night without a trip to the ER (which Noel has been known to do when he gets a stomach bug) and it reminds me again of how healthy we all are most of the time. Health is one of those things you don't think about until you don't have it.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thursday Thank You's
This week I am thankful for. . .
481. my sous chef, Noel.
482. watching Elise dance all day. I wish I had that kind of spirit.
483. borrowing exercise DVD's from the library. It's been a fun change of pace.
484. Valentine's party at Noel's preschool. Double thankful that we weren't there on the day a little girl barfed all over!
485. a great fundraiser banquet at church Friday to help raise money for the youth trip to Haiti this summer.
486. not having to change a single poopy diaper anymore!!
487. having the discipline to do memory verses with the kids. This was something we started with the new year, and has been going really well. Wish we started this 2 years ago!
488. date night and plans for a getaway without kids!!!!
489. a funny text conversation with an old friend. Made me laugh all night. There is something about a friend was your friend even when you wore flannel shirts and pegged jeans.
490. the end is in sight for my online class! Let the re-certification begin!
What are you thankful for?
481. my sous chef, Noel.
482. watching Elise dance all day. I wish I had that kind of spirit.
483. borrowing exercise DVD's from the library. It's been a fun change of pace.
484. Valentine's party at Noel's preschool. Double thankful that we weren't there on the day a little girl barfed all over!
485. a great fundraiser banquet at church Friday to help raise money for the youth trip to Haiti this summer.
486. not having to change a single poopy diaper anymore!!
487. having the discipline to do memory verses with the kids. This was something we started with the new year, and has been going really well. Wish we started this 2 years ago!
488. date night and plans for a getaway without kids!!!!
489. a funny text conversation with an old friend. Made me laugh all night. There is something about a friend was your friend even when you wore flannel shirts and pegged jeans.
490. the end is in sight for my online class! Let the re-certification begin!
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
New Foods Continue!
Lest you think I have forgotten about my "new food" resolution this year, I have not. I have just forgotten to take very many pictures or post what I have made. This past week the new food was. . .
The Opo Squash!
Isn't it crazy that there is a squash out there that I've never heard of?
You're on the edge of your seat; I can tell.
The little sign on the Opo Squash said you can use it any way you use a summer squash or zucchini. So that's exactly what I did.
I diced it up (no peeling necessary)
And threw it in with my vegetable soup. It tasted just like zucchini. I kept some out to steam on its own so I could see what it tasted like, but it got left out.
So, it's on to more food adventures. Any suggestions? I'm thinking a new grain is on the horizon--maybe cous cous or quinoa?
Monday, February 13, 2012
Thursday Thank You's. . .on a Tuesday!
Sometimes giving thanks is easy. Sometimes I can rattle off 20 things I am thankful for.
But sometimes it's hard.
Sometimes expectations lead to disappointment. I'll be honest on this blog (for all 4 of you who read this) and admit that I am going through kind of a rough spell. Life is kind of a struggle right now, and I am lonely. In a life filled with questions from a 5 year-old and chatter from an almost 3 year-old you would think what I want is some peace and quiet. And believe me, I do. But more often than not, what I want is conversation. Good conversation. The kind where there might be laughter and tears in the same few moments. The kind where you haven't looked at the clock because the time doesn't matter right now. I'm missing that right now.
I say all of this not so you feel sorry for me. Not in the least. I live a very blessed life, and I try every day not to take what I have been given for granted. But I say all of that to confess that sometimes it is difficult to give thanks. Last Thursday I didn't want to give thanks. I was busy and a little ragged and, if I'm being honest with myself, full of self-pity. So I didn't post what I was thankful for. And that nasty attitude has continued through tonight. I was reminded tonight that giving thanks doesn't mean everything is wonderful. Giving thanks is seeking God's blessings and finding it in the midst of hard time.
And so this list of thanksgivings is going to be a little different, because it's going to be truths from the Bible. I hope these truths speak to you like they continue to speak to me.
Today, I am thankful. . .
471. that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
472. for the comfort of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5)
473. for God's forgiveness (Matthew 26:28)
474. for God's promises that I can hang onto (2 Peter 1:4)
475. for music to praise Him (Psalm 69:30)
476. for God's unending love. (Psalm 107)
477. that I am not a slave to sin anymore! (Romans 6:17)
478. for examples of faithfulness I see in others. (Ephesians 1:15)
479. for answered prayers (Philippians 4:6-7)
480. that no matter what, I am God's child, and I can place my value in that (Colossians 1:12)
What are you thankful for?
But sometimes it's hard.
Sometimes expectations lead to disappointment. I'll be honest on this blog (for all 4 of you who read this) and admit that I am going through kind of a rough spell. Life is kind of a struggle right now, and I am lonely. In a life filled with questions from a 5 year-old and chatter from an almost 3 year-old you would think what I want is some peace and quiet. And believe me, I do. But more often than not, what I want is conversation. Good conversation. The kind where there might be laughter and tears in the same few moments. The kind where you haven't looked at the clock because the time doesn't matter right now. I'm missing that right now.
I say all of this not so you feel sorry for me. Not in the least. I live a very blessed life, and I try every day not to take what I have been given for granted. But I say all of that to confess that sometimes it is difficult to give thanks. Last Thursday I didn't want to give thanks. I was busy and a little ragged and, if I'm being honest with myself, full of self-pity. So I didn't post what I was thankful for. And that nasty attitude has continued through tonight. I was reminded tonight that giving thanks doesn't mean everything is wonderful. Giving thanks is seeking God's blessings and finding it in the midst of hard time.
And so this list of thanksgivings is going to be a little different, because it's going to be truths from the Bible. I hope these truths speak to you like they continue to speak to me.
Today, I am thankful. . .
471. that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
472. for the comfort of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5)
473. for God's forgiveness (Matthew 26:28)
474. for God's promises that I can hang onto (2 Peter 1:4)
475. for music to praise Him (Psalm 69:30)
476. for God's unending love. (Psalm 107)
477. that I am not a slave to sin anymore! (Romans 6:17)
478. for examples of faithfulness I see in others. (Ephesians 1:15)
479. for answered prayers (Philippians 4:6-7)
480. that no matter what, I am God's child, and I can place my value in that (Colossians 1:12)
What are you thankful for?
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Some pictures for your enjoyment. Oh, and a little soup
Okay, so this has been a rarity around here. My kids are actually pretty disappointed because they like playing in the back yard. I'm disappointed, too, because we had to cancel this year's ski trip :(
Sigh.
In other news. . .
My brain is still completely fried from my class, and I'm dealing with some moral dilemmas in the class, but that's not what I want to share on here.
In "new food" news. . .
This is escarole. It's similar to lettuce, but with a little more cabbage-y flavor. I found a recipe on Pinterest (of course) called Chicken Escarole soup. It was super easy: canned tomatoes, broth, noodles, chicken, and escarole.
Success!! This was by far the best "new food" try we have had.
This kid loved it.
Noel even ate it.
We are on a new food roll!!!!!
Oh, wait. No we're not. Enter the prickly pear.
I thought they looked kind of fun, and the label said they had a berry flavor.
I had to wear a glove to hold them. They do live up to their name. But as for the berry flavor. . .bleh. The prickly pear was a total let down. I think I either didn't do it right, or this fruit is just not for me. But that's part of this experiment. Now, if I ever see a prickly pear on chopped, I'll know what they are messing with.
A bunch of yuck.
Sorry.
Have a great day!
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Thankful
I AM thankful.
Thankful that right now there are three kids (2 of which are mine) playing loudly in my living room.
Thankful that David is on his way home from a business trip.
Thankful that I had an awesome day at Bridges.
Thankful for a life spared in a car accident this week.
Thankful for a huge group of kids at church who have committed to going to Haiti this summer.
Thankful for french toast and bacon and all things syruppy.
I just can't make a list all numbered nice and neat. Not tonight. I'm too busy soaking it all in. So quit reading my blog and go be thankful.
Thankful that right now there are three kids (2 of which are mine) playing loudly in my living room.
Thankful that David is on his way home from a business trip.
Thankful that I had an awesome day at Bridges.
Thankful for a life spared in a car accident this week.
Thankful for a huge group of kids at church who have committed to going to Haiti this summer.
Thankful for french toast and bacon and all things syruppy.
I just can't make a list all numbered nice and neat. Not tonight. I'm too busy soaking it all in. So quit reading my blog and go be thankful.
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