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.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Let me bore you with some more food pictures
I am 3 weeks into an online class to keep my teaching certificate. I am up to my ears in reading articles and writing responses. My brain is kind of fried. In my mind I have 3 or 4 blog post ideas in which I am really witty and/or inspiring. I want to write about the shootings in Kokomo last week. I want to write about what I'm learning in my class. I want to write about a movie we watched the other night that was fascinating ("The Greatest Movie Ever Sold". But all of the words are kind of muddled, and I am sick of staring at the computer screen.
So, instead I will share this picture from a few months ago.
Someone likes the markers.
David was trying to give her this very serious speech about how we don't draw on ourselves with marker. He kept saying, "Do you think this is funny?" And I am in the hallway whispering, "Yes. Yes it is funny."
She is my little girl.
In other news, our new food this week is polenta:
I totally chickened out and bought the already made polenta. This is what it looks like when you take it out of the tube. All I did was slice it up and fry it in a little oil with some salt and pepper.
After 3 or 4 minutes I flipped them.
And then I put some chicken on top of it.
Overall, it was pretty good. I wish I had put a little more sauce on the polenta, but it was good. I have a little more in the fridge, and I'm trying to figure out what to do with it. Any suggestions from polenta lovers out there?
So, instead I will share this picture from a few months ago.
David was trying to give her this very serious speech about how we don't draw on ourselves with marker. He kept saying, "Do you think this is funny?" And I am in the hallway whispering, "Yes. Yes it is funny."
She is my little girl.
In other news, our new food this week is polenta:
I totally chickened out and bought the already made polenta. This is what it looks like when you take it out of the tube. All I did was slice it up and fry it in a little oil with some salt and pepper.
After 3 or 4 minutes I flipped them.
And then I put some chicken on top of it.
Overall, it was pretty good. I wish I had put a little more sauce on the polenta, but it was good. I have a little more in the fridge, and I'm trying to figure out what to do with it. Any suggestions from polenta lovers out there?
Thursday, January 26, 2012
You've been hit by. . .a smooth(ie) criminal
I'm going to admit first off that this blog post would be much more interesting if I had actual pictures of these smoothies, but I'm going to tell you something:
Taking pictures of food is hard when you have 2 young 'uns right in front of a blender and loads of messy stuff. I do not recommend.
All of that to say: we are a little smoothie crazy around here.
It all started out with the beet smoothie. I was trying to find different ways to use the beet. I discovered that my kids will drink almost anything if you call it a smoothie and add a bendie straw.
Side note: EVERY restaurant should have bendie straws. My kids end up with their drink all over them because they are too short to drink out of the big straw in the little cup. Okay, back to the smoothies.
For the past 3 weeks or so we have been having smoothies about every other day. They are a great way to get some fruits and veggies into our diets, and the kids love hitting the buttons on the blender. I don't really have any recipe to share, but I will tell you what we do.
Get lots of different frozen fruits from the grocery store.
Put a little yogurt in the bottom of the blender (maybe half of a single-serving container)
Add a banana or an orange or some other kind of fresh fruit (today we did a clementine)
Add the frozen fruit
Add any other goodies you want. Today we added some instant oatmeal. The other day we added fresh baby spinach. I've added flax seed and wheat germ before, too.
Blend. We start on low and gradually add speed. If the mix is too thick add a little fruit juice. The beauty is that the frozen fruit makes it almost slushy-esque, so we don't even have to add ice.
And there you have it!
Anybody have any other smoothie ideas out there?
Taking pictures of food is hard when you have 2 young 'uns right in front of a blender and loads of messy stuff. I do not recommend.
All of that to say: we are a little smoothie crazy around here.
It all started out with the beet smoothie. I was trying to find different ways to use the beet. I discovered that my kids will drink almost anything if you call it a smoothie and add a bendie straw.
Side note: EVERY restaurant should have bendie straws. My kids end up with their drink all over them because they are too short to drink out of the big straw in the little cup. Okay, back to the smoothies.
For the past 3 weeks or so we have been having smoothies about every other day. They are a great way to get some fruits and veggies into our diets, and the kids love hitting the buttons on the blender. I don't really have any recipe to share, but I will tell you what we do.
Get lots of different frozen fruits from the grocery store.
Put a little yogurt in the bottom of the blender (maybe half of a single-serving container)
Add a banana or an orange or some other kind of fresh fruit (today we did a clementine)
Add the frozen fruit
Add any other goodies you want. Today we added some instant oatmeal. The other day we added fresh baby spinach. I've added flax seed and wheat germ before, too.
Blend. We start on low and gradually add speed. If the mix is too thick add a little fruit juice. The beauty is that the frozen fruit makes it almost slushy-esque, so we don't even have to add ice.
And there you have it!
Anybody have any other smoothie ideas out there?
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Thursday Thanks
In case you don't read my blog on a regular basis, I started counting the things I am thankful for. Every Thursday I add some more. We have so much to be thankful for. If you haven't read "A Thousand Gifts" by Ann VosKamp, leave this blog immediately and go get it here.
This week I am thankful for . . .
461. one week of my online class under my belt. 7 more to go! I'd like to blog a little about what we are studying once I get some extra time.
462. the lack of diapers around this house!!! Yee haw!
463. the season pass to the Children's Museum that my mom bought us for Christmas. We took advantage of it for the first time this week and had a wonderful time.
464. good parent-teacher conference with Noel's teacher.
465. good medical news for a dear friend.
466. Vicks Vapor Rub. Goodness in a jar.
467. strong, healthy bodies.
468. discovering we can have the Food Network with no additional charges!
469. hearing my kids pray.
470. NADINE!!!!! Nadine is about 99% sure to get to come to the states, and we probably get to go see her when she's here!!!
What are you thankful for?
This week I am thankful for . . .
461. one week of my online class under my belt. 7 more to go! I'd like to blog a little about what we are studying once I get some extra time.
462. the lack of diapers around this house!!! Yee haw!
463. the season pass to the Children's Museum that my mom bought us for Christmas. We took advantage of it for the first time this week and had a wonderful time.
464. good parent-teacher conference with Noel's teacher.
465. good medical news for a dear friend.
466. Vicks Vapor Rub. Goodness in a jar.
467. strong, healthy bodies.
468. discovering we can have the Food Network with no additional charges!
469. hearing my kids pray.
470. NADINE!!!!! Nadine is about 99% sure to get to come to the states, and we probably get to go see her when she's here!!!
What are you thankful for?
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
A Parsnip or Two
This week our new food was parsnips. I had never in my life tried a parsnip, so when I saw them at the grocery store and they looked like white carrots, I grabbed them up. I also had a recipe book from the library with a recipe for parsnip fries, so I tried it.
They certainly looked good, but how did they taste?
Actually, kind of bland. I made a dip of sour cream and chili powder to dip them in, and that was pretty good, but the parsnips kind of tasted like sweet potatoes that weren't sweet (which isn't the same thing as a potato, strangely enough).
The verdict? I probably won't be making more parsnips any time soon, but if a recipe calls for them, I know what I'm getting myself into.
Stay tuned for more food investigations
I gathered up my ingredients: parsnips, olive oil, salt, and pepper
I washed and peeled the parsnips
And cut them into sticks
I tossed them with with the oil and salt and pepper and cooked them at 450 degrees for about 35 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
And this is our finished product.
They certainly looked good, but how did they taste?
Actually, kind of bland. I made a dip of sour cream and chili powder to dip them in, and that was pretty good, but the parsnips kind of tasted like sweet potatoes that weren't sweet (which isn't the same thing as a potato, strangely enough).
The verdict? I probably won't be making more parsnips any time soon, but if a recipe calls for them, I know what I'm getting myself into.
Stay tuned for more food investigations
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Prayer for Nadine
This is Nadine:
She is a young Haitian girl who lives in the village of Peredo. I had the chance to meet Nadine when I went to Haiti a year and a half ago. She has had this growth almost her whole life. In fact, her mother didn't put her in school because she figured she was going to "die anyway".
My friend Ginny has been working incredibly hard to get medical care for Nadine. After some tests in Port-au-Prince, we found out that Nadine has a series of tumors that can be removed, but it's a pretty serious surgery.
So we prayed.
And God answered that prayer in the form of a doctor (and a hospital) in Columbus who is willing to do the surgery for free. So Ginny has been working even more incredibly hard to get the paperwork done so Nadine can come to the states to get the medical care she needs. The longer she has these tumors, the more difficult her health situation becomes. We almost lost her a few months ago to a bout with cholera.
So we keep praying.
Every night.
Praying.
Noel and Elise talk about Nadine like she's a girl who lives down the street.
"When is Nadine coming to get her surgery?"
"I don't know yet."
"Can we hang out with her?"
"I sure hope so, Noel."
Tomorrow is a crucial meeting with the embassy for Nadine to be cleared to come to the states. Will you please pray for her today and tomorrow? Please pray that they will allow her to come. I believe that God has a plan for every person, including Nadine. And I believe that part of that plan is allowing so many of us to be a part of her life.
Please join me.
Pray.
My friend Ginny has been working incredibly hard to get medical care for Nadine. After some tests in Port-au-Prince, we found out that Nadine has a series of tumors that can be removed, but it's a pretty serious surgery.
So we prayed.
And God answered that prayer in the form of a doctor (and a hospital) in Columbus who is willing to do the surgery for free. So Ginny has been working even more incredibly hard to get the paperwork done so Nadine can come to the states to get the medical care she needs. The longer she has these tumors, the more difficult her health situation becomes. We almost lost her a few months ago to a bout with cholera.
So we keep praying.
Every night.
Praying.
Noel and Elise talk about Nadine like she's a girl who lives down the street.
"When is Nadine coming to get her surgery?"
"I don't know yet."
"Can we hang out with her?"
"I sure hope so, Noel."
Tomorrow is a crucial meeting with the embassy for Nadine to be cleared to come to the states. Will you please pray for her today and tomorrow? Please pray that they will allow her to come. I believe that God has a plan for every person, including Nadine. And I believe that part of that plan is allowing so many of us to be a part of her life.
Please join me.
Pray.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Fry it up
My friend Ginny suggested that I put plantains on my list of new foods, so this week is plantain week!
A plantain looks similar to a banana. You can cook them green, yellow, or with brown spots.
If you're looking for plantains, they are with the bananas in the produce section.
Although they look like a banana, their texture is more like an avocado on the inside, and the peel has to be cut off, not peeled off.
I looked up a couple of different plantain recipes, but most of them just said to pan fry them in some butter, so that's what I did.
Make sure you have some paper towels/newspaper to drain them on afterwards.
Place plantain slices in the pan and let them cook for 2-3 minutes.
Flip them and let them cook another 2-3 minutes. One recipe I read called for squishing them a little with a glass at this point. I think I will try that with my next plantain, to get them a little thinner.
And this is your finished product. The plantains got 2 thumbs up here at our house. When I ate plantains in Haiti, they were served wish fish and this amazing spicy coleslaw. I wish I had made some of that to go with the plantains, but they were very good.
Any more suggestions for foods to try here at Wittenbach Test Kitchens?
Happy Eating!
Here I Go
I am starting an online class tomorrow for 8 weeks. It's called "Cultural Competence" and the book we are reading is "We Can't Teach What We Don't Know, White Teachers, Multiracial Schools". I am really interested to see how this class goes. As I have been working with Bridges, I have learned that there is a big difference between where I taught in Noblesville and working with students at Central Middle School in Kokomo. I hope to be able to share some of the things I learn on this blog, but please forgive me if I don't get around to it for a while. I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to sneak 6-8 hours out of every week to complete this class. But I know it will all get done.
In other not very important news, we took the kids sledding this weekend, and they were so good. Before this year, this is how sledding has gone for them.
Elise: never touched a sled until Saturday
Noel: 1st year out--wouldn't get out of the van
2nd year out--went down, but wouldn't walk back up the hill
So, it was a great surprise to find them both having so much fun going up and down. Noel loved going down on his belly, and Elise liked riding double with Noel (until they crashed and he knocked her face right into the snow--minor detail). I want my kids to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible, and we had such a good time as a family sledding. Of course, we didn't bring a camera, so you'll have to just imagine us all bundled up and hurdling down a hill, but you get the idea.
Happy Monday, and Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. May we all live with passion and conviction like he did.
In other not very important news, we took the kids sledding this weekend, and they were so good. Before this year, this is how sledding has gone for them.
Elise: never touched a sled until Saturday
Noel: 1st year out--wouldn't get out of the van
2nd year out--went down, but wouldn't walk back up the hill
So, it was a great surprise to find them both having so much fun going up and down. Noel loved going down on his belly, and Elise liked riding double with Noel (until they crashed and he knocked her face right into the snow--minor detail). I want my kids to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible, and we had such a good time as a family sledding. Of course, we didn't bring a camera, so you'll have to just imagine us all bundled up and hurdling down a hill, but you get the idea.
Happy Monday, and Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. May we all live with passion and conviction like he did.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Violence in the Bible and other things I'm unsure of
This month I am teaching the high school students at my church on Sunday mornings. We are working our way through 1 & 2 Samuel, slowly but surely. But I also just finished "Jesus for President" by Shane Claiborne, so the idea of Jesus not wanting violence is at the forefront of my mind.
So when we read in 2 Samuel that David's men were off raiding and plundering another town, I have to ask myself, "Was this really part of God's plan?" I know that there were times in the Bible when God called for war. I know there was bloodshed. But, was ALL of it God-ordained? I'm not so sure. And I'm definitely not sure how to explain something I don't understand to the students. But I think there is something to being honest and upfront with students in your own struggles with studying the Bible, so that's what I'll be sharing on Sunday.
On another church note, our church is getting ready to do a 6-week study on the book of Nehemiah. They are asking everyone to come to both services so they can meet in small groups to discuss the book and study it further. (insert sarcastic gasp!) They have seriously been almost-begging people to make it a priority to come for 2 WHOLE HOURS on a Sunday. You would think this is the biggest sacrifice we will ever have to make! This is one of those moments when it's clear to me why I am not in a paid ministry position, because I would not be able to control my mouth. I'd get up front and say, "I know it's Sunday and we are all over-committed to other stuff, but seriously, get your butt here for 2 hours for this study. Is it too much to ask for 6 weeks?! Come on, people! Are we the church or not? We'll drive our kids all over the county every day for games, band, clubs, etc. but. . .
Deep breath.
Maybe I WILL have to resort to violence afterall. Ha!
Have a great weekend, everyone! Do something this weekend to show love to someone else.
I
So when we read in 2 Samuel that David's men were off raiding and plundering another town, I have to ask myself, "Was this really part of God's plan?" I know that there were times in the Bible when God called for war. I know there was bloodshed. But, was ALL of it God-ordained? I'm not so sure. And I'm definitely not sure how to explain something I don't understand to the students. But I think there is something to being honest and upfront with students in your own struggles with studying the Bible, so that's what I'll be sharing on Sunday.
On another church note, our church is getting ready to do a 6-week study on the book of Nehemiah. They are asking everyone to come to both services so they can meet in small groups to discuss the book and study it further. (insert sarcastic gasp!) They have seriously been almost-begging people to make it a priority to come for 2 WHOLE HOURS on a Sunday. You would think this is the biggest sacrifice we will ever have to make! This is one of those moments when it's clear to me why I am not in a paid ministry position, because I would not be able to control my mouth. I'd get up front and say, "I know it's Sunday and we are all over-committed to other stuff, but seriously, get your butt here for 2 hours for this study. Is it too much to ask for 6 weeks?! Come on, people! Are we the church or not? We'll drive our kids all over the county every day for games, band, clubs, etc. but. . .
Deep breath.
Maybe I WILL have to resort to violence afterall. Ha!
Have a great weekend, everyone! Do something this weekend to show love to someone else.
I
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Thursday Thank You's
I am thankful for. . .
451. a warm, dry house to sleep in.
452. cooking with Noel.
453. shopping with Elise.
454. sharing good books with good friends.
455. healthy bodies.
456. prayer.
457. forgiveness.
458. downtime with the kids.
459. people who are honest and transparent.
460. getting to travel through this life with David. There's nobody else I'd rather laugh with, cry with, serve with, fight with, raise children with, and love.
What are you thankful for?
451. a warm, dry house to sleep in.
452. cooking with Noel.
453. shopping with Elise.
454. sharing good books with good friends.
455. healthy bodies.
456. prayer.
457. forgiveness.
458. downtime with the kids.
459. people who are honest and transparent.
460. getting to travel through this life with David. There's nobody else I'd rather laugh with, cry with, serve with, fight with, raise children with, and love.
What are you thankful for?
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