Tonight Jonah and I start a new little journey. Well, actually the journey began in our hearts several years ago while we were still courting. I remember laying in a field on our backs, looking up at puffy white clouds and a blue sky, both of us dreaming about the future and speaking about what it might look like. We discussed having 8 kids (lol, NEVER going to happen), buying a cute house, hiking all the time, never falling out of love....we poured out our hearts talking about orphans, America, kids in America who need families. We talked about fostering.
Today must be "the future". After being house parents for 6 months this past Spring, Jonah and I cannot stop thinking about what part we are supposed to play in the lives of children who don't have a family. We cuddle in bed at night and whisper about "the boys", the ones we had to leave at the childrens' home because our season there was up. We tear up as we discuss what their futures may hold and who they might become one day. We reinvent programs and make plans for the group home every night.
A couple nights ago, upon returning from church, we ran into the police, well actually 4 police officers. We were going up the steps with a little girl who we have been taking to church with us, thinking we were taking her back to her grandmother to get ready for bed, but the police were in their "apartment" (if you can call a 10x10 bedroom with a closet an apartment) searching the room. We had to leave her there, despite her asking to please come home with us. The fear in her eyes scared me. What must be going through her mind? 8 years old and the police are searching through your most private possessions. We got home and the police came by to speak with us about 30 minutes later. Allegations of abuse had been made. Could she stay with us if neccessary? Of course.
We haven't seen her since Sunday night. She does not come running to our house as soon as we get home. She does not peer out the window when we walk our dog. She does not laugh and call us Crazy Jonah and Miss Sarah. She does not come over hungry and eat our PB&Js. She does not jump on our beds. We haven't seen her since the police left her in that room with her grandma.
At home, I cry. I ask my husband what we are supposed to do. I blame the government. I blame the Church. I question God. I wrestle with guilt as I eat and live and feel comfortable and safe.
Tonight we begin classes to become foster parents. I am not sure if this is just to remedy our own shame at living so joyfully. I am not sure if we can really help any children. I am not sure I can be a good mother. I am not sure that I can wake up at 2am and care for a sick little one. I am not sure we have the money. I am not sure we are worthy.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Autumn Apples!
As a girl, my elementary schools in New York and Pennsylvania took us apple picking each year. Early Fall is one of the best times for joy-filled walks in an orchard. I remember with delight the crisp air and smile on my face as we raced off the buses and into the orchard! I would bite the first apple I could find and savor the sweet, enchanting fruit. Eve and I must be related.
Anyway, everyone knows that apples are one of the very best fruits for cooking! I like them with just about anything. I even cook apples in stews!
Below you will find the simplest applesauce recipe (and it all gets made in your crock pot)! I have been using it for years and it is so wholesome and tasty.
Spiced Applesauce
Anyway, everyone knows that apples are one of the very best fruits for cooking! I like them with just about anything. I even cook apples in stews!
Below you will find the simplest applesauce recipe (and it all gets made in your crock pot)! I have been using it for years and it is so wholesome and tasty.
Spiced Applesauce
- 10 medium-sized cooking apples
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/8 cup brown sugar or 1/4 cup regular sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 Tablespoon ground cloves
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Keurig in my cup!
Recently, I decided to forego washing my hair (but that story is for another day)! This morning I wanted to share my recent success in completely eliminating processed, store bought coffee creamers from my coffee regime. I feel a great sense of pride in this victory as I have pretty much been addicted to coffee since my mom first put her stainless steel Puerto Rican coffee pot on our stove when I was 10 years old! Cafe con leche is more important than food in my book!
Anyway, for the past week and a half I have played with several variations of homemade flavored creamers....and they work! Oh my goodness they are delicious! Enough bragging, I know you are ready to concoct your own milky delightfulness!
Pumpkin Spice Creamer
1 Cup Whole Milk 4 Tablespoons maple syrup
1 Cup Heavy Cream 1 1/2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon (or 3 cinnamon sticks)
3 Tablespoons pureed pumpkin (you can use canned if you want)
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract 1 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice (I use McCormick)
Whisk together all ingredients except vanilla extract. Pour into a sauce pan and heat on medium low until the mixture begins to let off steam. Then pour it all through a stainless steel strainer or a mesh sieve. Use a funnel to pour it into a glass bottle, and refridgerate.
Anna's Peppermint Mocha
(in honor of my good friend, who usually waits all year for her holiday favorite)
1 Cup Whole Milk 4 Tablespoons maple syrup
1 Cup Heavy Cream 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract 1 Teaspoon Peppermint Extract
Whisk together all ingredients except vanilla and peppermint extracts. Pour into a sauce pan and heat on medium low until the mixture begins to let off steam. Then pour it all through a stainless steel strainer or a mesh sieve. Use a funnel to pour it into a glass bottle, and refridgerate.
I hope you like these as much as I do!
Anyway, for the past week and a half I have played with several variations of homemade flavored creamers....and they work! Oh my goodness they are delicious! Enough bragging, I know you are ready to concoct your own milky delightfulness!
Pumpkin Spice Creamer
1 Cup Whole Milk 4 Tablespoons maple syrup
1 Cup Heavy Cream 1 1/2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon (or 3 cinnamon sticks)
3 Tablespoons pureed pumpkin (you can use canned if you want)
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract 1 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice (I use McCormick)
Whisk together all ingredients except vanilla extract. Pour into a sauce pan and heat on medium low until the mixture begins to let off steam. Then pour it all through a stainless steel strainer or a mesh sieve. Use a funnel to pour it into a glass bottle, and refridgerate.
Anna's Peppermint Mocha
(in honor of my good friend, who usually waits all year for her holiday favorite)
1 Cup Whole Milk 4 Tablespoons maple syrup
1 Cup Heavy Cream 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract 1 Teaspoon Peppermint Extract
Whisk together all ingredients except vanilla and peppermint extracts. Pour into a sauce pan and heat on medium low until the mixture begins to let off steam. Then pour it all through a stainless steel strainer or a mesh sieve. Use a funnel to pour it into a glass bottle, and refridgerate.
I hope you like these as much as I do!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
CHEEburger CHEEburger!!!
You asked for it....CHEEburger Casserole, Crockpot style!
1 Pound ground beef - (to 1 1/2 lbs)
2 onions, coarsely chopped
5 red potatoes, chopped into quarters
Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
1 can of ro-tel
1 garlic clove finely chopped
2 Tablespoons of worcestershire
1 bag of fresh frozen peas
1/2 bag of baby carrots (chopped into 1 inch pieces)
8 large slices of sharp red hoop cheddar
Brown your onions and beef with the garlic, black pepper, and worcestershire. Toss your meat, onions, and garlic into the crock pot. Pour your can of ro-tel in before adding any other ingredients. Then, layer your veggies (without mixing) on top of your meat. I like to put the potatoes second to last, then the peas (keeps the peas from getting soggy). Turn your crock pot on low and let cook for 5-6 hours. Add the hoop cheddar about 2 hours before you are going to eat! Tasty, tasty.
Let me know what you think!
1 Pound ground beef - (to 1 1/2 lbs)
2 onions, coarsely chopped
5 red potatoes, chopped into quarters
Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
1 can of ro-tel
1 garlic clove finely chopped
2 Tablespoons of worcestershire
1 bag of fresh frozen peas
1/2 bag of baby carrots (chopped into 1 inch pieces)
8 large slices of sharp red hoop cheddar
Brown your onions and beef with the garlic, black pepper, and worcestershire. Toss your meat, onions, and garlic into the crock pot. Pour your can of ro-tel in before adding any other ingredients. Then, layer your veggies (without mixing) on top of your meat. I like to put the potatoes second to last, then the peas (keeps the peas from getting soggy). Turn your crock pot on low and let cook for 5-6 hours. Add the hoop cheddar about 2 hours before you are going to eat! Tasty, tasty.
Let me know what you think!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Super Crock Pot Saves Starving Husband!
Have I mentioned that I have a crock pot? Yep, and I love it, let me explain.
Well, you see, my husband has gained 30 pounds since we got married....seriously. Not to mention that he regularly tells me there is nothing to eat in the house! Oh, and I recently accepted a job working in an office with office hours (so I don't get home until after 5:30 every day). All said and done, I have been desperately trying to struggle the demands of a hungry husband, a new job, housecleaning, purchasing a new home, and reaching out into our local community. Here is where the crock pot comes in....what better way to save time and feed my growing boy? I have a myriad of recipes thanks to some cook books and my crazy foodie brain. Over the past 2 weeks I have chopped, browned, and tossed ingredients into one pot for several hours, only to discover a scrumptious meal waiting for us at our house upon return home! Below, I will share a recent favorite and if I get lots of happy comments I will share more soon.
Keep in mind that my measurements are approximate as I never measure anything, I just throw it all together. This is probably why baking sweets is my least favorite form of cooking!
Oh, and another note on ingredients: I always try to buy organic and local. I won't add "organic" as a word before each ingredient, but you can assume I either bought it local or used organic.
Apple Cider Stew (awesome Fall stew)
1 pound beef stew meat
2 Tablespoons of real butter
1 bag of baby carrots
4 small sweet potatoes, sliced (the smaller they are, the better flavor they have)
3 of your favorite type of apple (I prefer washington or sweet green), diced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
crushed, fresh thyme
1 large onion, chopped
4 cups apple cider
1/2 cup golden raisens
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup celery, chopped into 1 inch pieces
2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
dash of nutmeg
dash of allspice
No need to brown your meat for this recipe, just toss all of your ingredients into the crock pot and put on low for 10-12 hours! This savory-sweet stew is one of my VERY favorites!
Please let me know what you think! If I notice people are using these, I will continue to add more!
Well, you see, my husband has gained 30 pounds since we got married....seriously. Not to mention that he regularly tells me there is nothing to eat in the house! Oh, and I recently accepted a job working in an office with office hours (so I don't get home until after 5:30 every day). All said and done, I have been desperately trying to struggle the demands of a hungry husband, a new job, housecleaning, purchasing a new home, and reaching out into our local community. Here is where the crock pot comes in....what better way to save time and feed my growing boy? I have a myriad of recipes thanks to some cook books and my crazy foodie brain. Over the past 2 weeks I have chopped, browned, and tossed ingredients into one pot for several hours, only to discover a scrumptious meal waiting for us at our house upon return home! Below, I will share a recent favorite and if I get lots of happy comments I will share more soon.
Keep in mind that my measurements are approximate as I never measure anything, I just throw it all together. This is probably why baking sweets is my least favorite form of cooking!
Oh, and another note on ingredients: I always try to buy organic and local. I won't add "organic" as a word before each ingredient, but you can assume I either bought it local or used organic.
Apple Cider Stew (awesome Fall stew)
1 pound beef stew meat
2 Tablespoons of real butter
1 bag of baby carrots
4 small sweet potatoes, sliced (the smaller they are, the better flavor they have)
3 of your favorite type of apple (I prefer washington or sweet green), diced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
crushed, fresh thyme
1 large onion, chopped
4 cups apple cider
1/2 cup golden raisens
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup celery, chopped into 1 inch pieces
2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
dash of nutmeg
dash of allspice
No need to brown your meat for this recipe, just toss all of your ingredients into the crock pot and put on low for 10-12 hours! This savory-sweet stew is one of my VERY favorites!
Please let me know what you think! If I notice people are using these, I will continue to add more!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Papa Kissed Me
Puffy, white cottonballs swirled through the air as I drove to Chattanooga this morning. Who knew that He would kiss my face with joy today? Unassumingly, I prayed that Papa would allow me to enjoy my 2nd student teaching placement. My first placement was so wonderful, I struggled to think I would be able to enjoy my 2nd placement at all.
Questions swirled through my head just like the puffy cottonballs falling from the sky. A CDC classroom? Not me, Papa...you know me: the smart, creative, overachieving daughter? What can I offer these kids...I do not have the patience. What if I have to change diapers? Dear God, please, please no diapers, I may throw up, You know me!
Pulling up to a school blanketed in soft, billowy white I wiped away a tear, and maybe a little pride. Okay, Papa, whatever You choose. I will follow You. Wait, did I mention I got lost during my mental meandering? Yes, I actually traveled 26 miles out of my way, and had to call Nice Office Lady to get directions.
Hold my hand, Papa, I prayed as I entered the standard school office and greeted Nice Office Lady. I walked through the hallways, finding my way through a maze of corridors with the help of *Julius, the sweet student who will be my GPS for the next 8 weeks.
11 little heads turned as I entered the room. No wheelchairs, no walkers, no diapers....just 11 perfect little heads, with sweet brown eyes of several different shades. Some smiled, some stared, but my heart sang. Real Teacher continued the lesson on weather, "What is happening outside?" Little voices sqealed, "Snow!!! It's Snowing!" They talk! Yes. Thank You God. One by one I was introduced to them all. Little Twisty Hair Girl, Sweet Chubby Boy, Soft Brown Eyes, Pink Shirt-Matching Skirt Girl, Combat Boot Boy, Tall Girl, Super Big Second Grade Boy, Shy Girl, Fro Girl, and Flapping Hands each in turn, some with prompting, some without. About 20 minutes into class, the excitement in the room was electric - the PUFFY WHITE COTTON WAS LANDING ON THE GROUND!!!!!!!! 11 perfect little heads peeped over the window and perfect little five fingered hands pointed at the winter wonderland. Real Teacher and I could not stand it any longer. We had already read Green Eggs and Ham and no one could sit still....jackets flew about the room, yelps, squeals, calls, and laughter filled the air. 28 feet scrambled to the playground covered in feathery white goodness (6 extra legs for me, Real Teacher, and Awesome Assistant Man). Even in a skirt joyful, childlike giddyness would not escape me (not to mention no one was wearing a scarf or gloves). A cold, white cottonball war ensued. My new students screamed and played, they chased me through the snow and tackled me. Before I knew it the principal was outside too, videotaping our ridiculous fun.
Flapping Hands and Super Big Second Grade Boy pursued me with perfect schoolboy vigor, my favorite grey flats were no match for their adept strides; I slipped, fell and was immediately covered in children and snow. We rolled and rolled. Laughter sprinkled through the air like a gentle melody. I closed my eyes trying to understand the moment. God kissed me so beautifully in that smelly mess of soggy snow and students. I never noticed my frozen hands and wet feet until we returned to the building. Next thing I knew school was cancelled and all the children were being picked up from school.
Driving away from Winter Wonderland the puffy, white cottonballs glided through the air and my mind wandered again. Questions stirred and my heart was full of love. Why me Papa? Why do You let me meet these kids? Who am I that I might get to know them? I am not ready, Papa. I can offer them nothing.
Questions swirled through my head just like the puffy cottonballs falling from the sky. A CDC classroom? Not me, Papa...you know me: the smart, creative, overachieving daughter? What can I offer these kids...I do not have the patience. What if I have to change diapers? Dear God, please, please no diapers, I may throw up, You know me!
Pulling up to a school blanketed in soft, billowy white I wiped away a tear, and maybe a little pride. Okay, Papa, whatever You choose. I will follow You. Wait, did I mention I got lost during my mental meandering? Yes, I actually traveled 26 miles out of my way, and had to call Nice Office Lady to get directions.
Hold my hand, Papa, I prayed as I entered the standard school office and greeted Nice Office Lady. I walked through the hallways, finding my way through a maze of corridors with the help of *Julius, the sweet student who will be my GPS for the next 8 weeks.
11 little heads turned as I entered the room. No wheelchairs, no walkers, no diapers....just 11 perfect little heads, with sweet brown eyes of several different shades. Some smiled, some stared, but my heart sang. Real Teacher continued the lesson on weather, "What is happening outside?" Little voices sqealed, "Snow!!! It's Snowing!" They talk! Yes. Thank You God. One by one I was introduced to them all. Little Twisty Hair Girl, Sweet Chubby Boy, Soft Brown Eyes, Pink Shirt-Matching Skirt Girl, Combat Boot Boy, Tall Girl, Super Big Second Grade Boy, Shy Girl, Fro Girl, and Flapping Hands each in turn, some with prompting, some without. About 20 minutes into class, the excitement in the room was electric - the PUFFY WHITE COTTON WAS LANDING ON THE GROUND!!!!!!!! 11 perfect little heads peeped over the window and perfect little five fingered hands pointed at the winter wonderland. Real Teacher and I could not stand it any longer. We had already read Green Eggs and Ham and no one could sit still....jackets flew about the room, yelps, squeals, calls, and laughter filled the air. 28 feet scrambled to the playground covered in feathery white goodness (6 extra legs for me, Real Teacher, and Awesome Assistant Man). Even in a skirt joyful, childlike giddyness would not escape me (not to mention no one was wearing a scarf or gloves). A cold, white cottonball war ensued. My new students screamed and played, they chased me through the snow and tackled me. Before I knew it the principal was outside too, videotaping our ridiculous fun.
Flapping Hands and Super Big Second Grade Boy pursued me with perfect schoolboy vigor, my favorite grey flats were no match for their adept strides; I slipped, fell and was immediately covered in children and snow. We rolled and rolled. Laughter sprinkled through the air like a gentle melody. I closed my eyes trying to understand the moment. God kissed me so beautifully in that smelly mess of soggy snow and students. I never noticed my frozen hands and wet feet until we returned to the building. Next thing I knew school was cancelled and all the children were being picked up from school.
Driving away from Winter Wonderland the puffy, white cottonballs glided through the air and my mind wandered again. Questions stirred and my heart was full of love. Why me Papa? Why do You let me meet these kids? Who am I that I might get to know them? I am not ready, Papa. I can offer them nothing.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Castles in the Air
If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.
--Henry David Thoreau
I am getting quote happy...
yes, I find that when I get quote happy, it is indicitive of my heart...
my desire to live for something more than I am already.
The hope that somehow, the inspiration God has given others will spur me on to do His will...
What makes me come alive?
What draws me out of my egocentric, self pleasing mode into the lives of others?
Maybe you don't want to know, maybe no one will ever read this, that is okay. Writing it out, putting my thoughts into written words makes sense of all the mumbo jumbo in my head.
I am passionate about children -
small, impressionable, real, bubbly, vulnerable little depictions of God.
I am so aware of true life when I touch the finger of a little baby -
soft skin, pink with new blood pumping through its little body,
tender and pliable - like clay.
I am refreshed by the bursting laughter of little boys -
full of vitality, gusto, pure delight, and wonder-filled with curiosity.
I am inspired and challenged while reading about missionaries of old -
with their unwavering faith, persevering spirits, joyful hearts, and pained testimonies...
throwing themselves at the world like a blazing torch,
piercing the looming darkness.
I am made alive as those around me live -
full of hope, dreams, God given gifts and aspirations...
living examples of Christ
blazing fires for His name
as they live out His truths my heart responds
echoing their joyous living in my own life.
Oh Lord, may my life be one that is for others. Make me a blazing fire for Your name, that I would light others for Your glory.
--Henry David Thoreau
I am getting quote happy...
yes, I find that when I get quote happy, it is indicitive of my heart...
my desire to live for something more than I am already.
The hope that somehow, the inspiration God has given others will spur me on to do His will...
What makes me come alive?
What draws me out of my egocentric, self pleasing mode into the lives of others?
Maybe you don't want to know, maybe no one will ever read this, that is okay. Writing it out, putting my thoughts into written words makes sense of all the mumbo jumbo in my head.
I am passionate about children -
small, impressionable, real, bubbly, vulnerable little depictions of God.
I am so aware of true life when I touch the finger of a little baby -
soft skin, pink with new blood pumping through its little body,
tender and pliable - like clay.
I am refreshed by the bursting laughter of little boys -
full of vitality, gusto, pure delight, and wonder-filled with curiosity.
I am inspired and challenged while reading about missionaries of old -
with their unwavering faith, persevering spirits, joyful hearts, and pained testimonies...
throwing themselves at the world like a blazing torch,
piercing the looming darkness.
I am made alive as those around me live -
full of hope, dreams, God given gifts and aspirations...
living examples of Christ
blazing fires for His name
as they live out His truths my heart responds
echoing their joyous living in my own life.
Oh Lord, may my life be one that is for others. Make me a blazing fire for Your name, that I would light others for Your glory.
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