this is our happily ever after

ten on tuesday

1. We're supposed to close on our house today...which means that tomorrow 2 PODS will be delivered, Friday they will be packed by professional movers, and Saturday they will be picked up and we will be out of the house by 6 pm.  None of this has really sunk in yet, although I continue to live in the land of boxes and bubble wrap, so I guess it's sunk in a bit. 

2. Karsten is going through a BIG growth spurt.  We had him eating every 4-5 hours and that's changed to every 2-4 hours, eating the same amount and each feeding.  He's completely out of his Carter's Newborn clothes, his newborn Pampers Swaddlers, and is almost out of his bassinet.  We're ordering a real crib later this week to be delivered to our apt. 

3. I've discovered Pinterest and am completely addicted.  If you are like me and tear out decorating ideas, recipes, etc from magazines this has your name all over it. It's the same concept, but you pull ideas off of websites and put them on your own personal boards on Pinterest.  It's a creative girl's heaven.  You can see my boards here.

4. After bath time with spikey hair...he's months away from being ready for the Harley, DAD!

5. The baby mockingbirds learning to fly last weekend

ok...these 2 were in the nest while the other two were getting lessons...isn't it amazing how fast they grew!

6. Zoe loves her new toy!  HA!

7. Did you notice that the blog banner has a few updated photos...it only took me 7 weeks to get them up there!! Geesh! 

8. I believe that this will be the last night I cook in this house...it's eating out starting Wed-Fri and probably all weekend too :)  Gotta pack up the kitchen!

9. Karsten loves looking at his reflection in the mirror, you can see a part of his face in the mirror

10. We booked our flights to go to Illinois to see my family and Tennessee to see Brian's family in late June/early July.  Karsten's first flight will be at 2.5 months old.  "Have baby will travel!!!!" is our family motto! 

first published piece --Daily Word {Delight}

WOW...is how I must begin this post.  I told you about a month ago that I have been called to writea few years ago.  Then in February I was asked to write an article for a "Between the Lines", a magazine published by the women's ministry at my parent's church.  Well friends, the magazine and my article have been published.  I'm very excited because I know God's hand is all over this opportunity and any future opportunities. 

To sign up for a hard copy or e copy of the magazine or read the current issue visit the journey's website. 

As I wrote in my previous post "It's the write time", the theme for this quarters magazine was words.  Seriously couldn't have been more perfect for me!  The article I wrote ended up being a bit too long, so Emily, the editor, gave them a link to my blog to finish reading how 2011 has been my year of Delight!

Below is the article as you will read it in the magazine and tomorrow, I will keep the remainder of the article at the top of my blog for about 10 days for those visiting for the first time!!! 

I've decided to include a few photos that represent each word...not all of the photos are pretty, in fact the first one is humbling, but I believe that by using photos you will visually see God's faithfulness!

My prayer is that through my story telling and writing that readers will see that God is faithful and He deserves all praise, glory, and credit for my blessed life.  He is continually working and orchestrating things to happen in His perfect timing!  I also hope that readers will encounter words, and the power that words hold, in a whole new way.  That maybe, just maybe, a few of them will take on the spiritually creative exercise of choosing one little word! 

OK...here's the article that will be in the magazine or e-magazine...the remainder of the article will be at the top of the blog tomorrow! 

The power of words is an amazing thing.  One word can lift you up or tear you down, encourage you or devastate you.  Our lives are filled and sometimes bombarded with words and messages from every angle.  We are thrilled when our child says his or her first word and frustrated when they discover the power of the word NO!  In home décor these days you will frequently find words and quotes applied to walls, a carved out word may sit on your bookshelf or mantle.  I have a plaque in my kitchen that says “Simplify” as a reminder to do just that. 

How interesting that in Scripture Jesus is referred to as The Word.  “In the beginning the Word already existed.  The Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He existed in the beginning with God.” (John 1:1 NLT)  God created the world with His words and God has given us His Word, the Bible, as a guide for our lives.  Words hold power and influence, God’s Word holds the ultimate, divine power and influence. 

In January 2007 I made a decision to choose a word for that year.  Not just any word, but a word that I felt would encourage me, focus me, and remind me of God’s promises.  Going into 2007 I faced an incredibly tough journey ahead.  I was in heart failure and needed a heart transplant, a second heart transplant at that.  I knew the pain, uncertainty, and hardship that awaited me, but I also knew that God has proven His faithfulness to me and would see me through the dark valleys ahead.  After much prayer and searching the Scriptures the word steadfast seemed to encompass my life spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally.  Psalm 112:7 states “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.  Isaiah 26:3 states “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”  Whenever I began to worry about what loomed in my future, I would bring to mind these Scriptures, these promises, this word to lift my spirit.  I reminded myself daily that I needed to remain steadfast and trust that God would work out the details.   He did!  On October 23, 2007 I received a perfect new heart and 3 ½ years later I’m thriving and healthier that I’ve ever been.  Nothing I did during that time allowed me to get a heart faster, but remaining steadfast on what His word promised me gave me peace and joy during a stormy time in my life. 

(just a day after surgery)

At the beginning of 2007 I liked the idea of choosing a word, but had no idea how powerful this yearly exercise would become for my spiritual life.  Every year since, I have spent time preparing my heart and mind to choose a word that would set the tone for that year.  I typically choose a Scripture to reinforce my word, this way I have God’s Word backing up my word. 

2008 would be a year of restoration physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.  I chose the word restore to mark that year.  Psalm 30:2 states “O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health.” He faithfully restored my health, my life.  Just 9 months after my transplant my husband and I climbed to the top of a 14,000 foot mountain in Colorado; my health was restored. 

(Mt. Evans Colorado 14,240 feet)

In 2009 I was recovered and needed to find a new purpose for my life.  “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”  Romans 8:28.  I was blessed to return to teaching Elementary School full time, return to serving in our church, and find new ways to use my God-given talents.

(very blurry photo of my first day of teaching)

I knew that 2010 was going to be a year of seeking five things in my life: God, Vitality, Discipline, Balance, and Adoption.  The word seek bookmarked that year as did Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

(adoption paperwork completed and ready to mail--September 2010)

As 2011 approached I began searching for a new word.  I had prioritized seeking God, vitality, discipline, balance, and adoption, but felt that there was a component missing.  In a quiet time one day I came across a familiar verse.  Psalm 37:4-5 says “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.”  Delight, that’s what I desired.  I had grown accustomed to seeking God, exercising and eating right, practicing discipline, finding balance, and worked through adoption paperwork but it had all become mundane, part of my routine, something to check off my mental and physical check list every day. 

I mentioned earlier that one thing I, along with my husband, were seeking in 2010 was adoption.  I am thrilled to report that on April 10, 2011 we adopted a perfect, newborn baby boy.  I believed that if I delighted in the Lord, committed my plan and desires to Him, and trusted Him to orchestrate the behind the scenes story that He would bless us with a child.    I had always imagined adopting a girl, but the moment I laid eyes on our son there was no doubt that God’s fingerprints were all over him.  He is our dream come true and a great delight to us. 

(our first family photo taken in the hospital the day we met Karsten and brought him home)

There are times when we have to surrender our plans, our hopes, our desires to make room for His plans, His hopes, and His desires for our life.  It’s not an easy process; it requires spiritual maturity, prayer, and confidence that His plans are always better.  I can attest that there is nothing better than delighting in Him, committing our ways to Him, and trusting Him to intervene on our behalf. 

Consider the power of words in your own life.   What word(s) resonate with you in a meaningful way?  Is there a specific Scripture that is a guiding light in your life?  Are the desires in your heart God’s desires for you?  Singing praises, journaling, reading His Word, serving others, keeping a gratitude journal, and surrendering your plans are some of the ways you can take delight in the Creator and Provider.  How do you take time to delight in the Lord?

 

Daily Word (Ordinary)

Ordinary:  a regular or customary condition or course of things

Acts 4:13 “The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.”

God often uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.  Our lack of talent or ability creates an ideal setting for Christ’s power to be displayed.  God isn’t looking for impressive people who have achieved great things on their own merit.  He wants willing people who bow under submission of His plan and purpose for their life. 

Jesus sought out ordinary men to be his disciples.  They weren’t all highly educated or overly knowledgeable in the Old Testament, but they were willing to drop everything comfortable in their lives in order to follow Him, and ultimately yield to His authority. 

Moses had a speech problem, yet God used him to approach Pharaoh with boldness and to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.  A modern day example is Joni Erickson Tada who was paralyzed from the neck down in a diving accident as a teenager.  She could have thought of herself as useless, but chose to look up to God for direction and purpose.  She is now a well known Christian author, artist, and radio host. 

Ordinary and obedient people, that’s who God desires.  For years I felt God’s calling on my life to share my story through the written word and for years I fought against it because I didn’t feel eloquent or witty enough.  I compare(d) myself to dynamic authors like Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, and Max Lucado.  Then I realized that it’s not about me or my abilities, or lack thereof, but God’s ability.  If He has called me to do something it is my job to obediently step out in faith.  To submit to His authority and believe that He will equip me with the tools I need to do His work.  I’ve prayed for years that He would reveal His purpose for my ordinary life.  The journey He has taken me on, the lessons I’ve learned, and my unique gifts and perspective have brought me to this place “for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14)

What areas of your life are you holding on to?  Where in the past have you seen Him use ordinary you in an extraordinary capacity?  Can you think of someone who seems to do extraordinary things for the kingdom?  How do you think they’ve been able to accomplish what they have for God’s glory?

At this moment the one couple who pops in my mind as stepping out in obedience is my friend Kelly and her husband Ryan.  To read more about the extraordinary step of faith their taking click here.

 

Karsten video

I finally managed to make a video again.  It's not the video is so difficult it's uploading to you tube that takes forever. 

All is well here. We met with Charlotte, our adoption agency director, this afternoon for a 1 month visit (even though he's almost 2 months!)  She was delighted to see him and says that seeing babies and adoptive parents thriving is the best part of her job! 

Aunt Karol, the activity gym he's playing on in the video is the one you sent him.  We all love it, especially Karsten!  Thank you so much! 

OK...enjoy the cuteness!!! 

 

meal plan Monday

Here's the run down of our weekly menu

(and when I say our that means I plan, prep, and cook the meals, we both enjoy them, and Brian cleans up...not a bad deal if you ask me!)

Monday- CB is bringing dinner again, I'm providing dessert and a few parties in a glass

Tuesday--Chipotle Chicken Cheesesteaks, Alexia Sweet Potato Fries, Gazpacho Salad (recipe coming later)

Wednesday--Taco Salad (recipe coming later)

Thursday--Last Small Group in our house.  2 Brothers Lasagna, Salad, Bread, Dessert (if you live in the SE Houston area and haven't been to 2 Brothers Pasta you're missing out and must go there soon.  It's all homemade and reasonably priced)

Friday-- Grilled Vegetables with Couscous and Yogurt Sauce

Saturday--Out or leftovers

Sunday--Tilapia Masala with Rice, Roasted Asparagus roasting or grilling asparagus is my favorite way to eat it

 

finally got it right....Mexican Rice

I have been trying to perfect the art of making Mexican Rice for years and could never quite get it the way I wanted it...until Saturday night. I served it with some chicken enchiladas I had in the freezer...but this could be served with fish, chicken, tacos, fajitas, or just as a vegetarian night with some Black bean and Corn salad. or Lily's Cheese Enchiladas

Download Mexican Rice for your files

Ingredients:

2 tbsp canola oil

1 onion, finely diced

1 green bell pepper, finely diced

¼ tsp salt

1 ½ cups long grain white rice

1 tsp Southwest seasoning or ½ tsp cumin and ½ tsp chili powder

1 (10 oz) can tomatoes with green chiles, mild

¼  tsp cumin

1 bay leaf

2 ½ cups liquid (water and juice from canned tomatoes combined to make 2.5 cups)

Directions:

In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium high heat.  Add diced onion and bell pepper and salt.  Saute for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Add rice and continue sautéing over medium high heat, stirring occasionally for about 3-4 minutes. 

The rice should begin to turn golden brown. (This is the key to good Mexican rice!)  

Add Southwest seasoning and cumin, stir. (My Mom sells Pampered Chef and I always have a few bottles of this on hand for taco meat, rice, beans, salads, etc.) 

Strain the tomatoes, measuring the liquid in a glass measuring cup.  Then add enough water to make 2 ½ cups liquid total. **I don’t measure very much when I cook, except when I make rice.  Too much liquid makes for mushy rice** Pour liquid over rice and vegetables, add tomatoes and bay leaf, bring to a boil. 

Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-22 minutes. 

Rice should be cooked through, but still have some texture.  Remove bay leaf, fluff rice with fork, and serve.

 

Food Network Magazine

One of the many magazines I subscribe to is the Food Network magazine and I love it! 

Some of my favorite articles/features are

• Interiews with Foodnetwork Stars and glimpses of their personal kitchens
• Mix and match recipes,
• 50 feature book (such as 50 dips, 50 summer drinks, 50 things to make with pesto)
• Copy That! (where they try to recreate favorite recipes from chain restaurants)

Others may say Saveur, Cooks Illustrated, or Bon Appetit' are a foodies dream magazine, but I really like this one.  The recipes they feature are relatively easy and you can find most ingredients.  Click here to subscribe or give a subscription as a gift to the foodie in your life.

Here are some recent recipe finds I've cut out and placed in my recipe binders. 

Capellini with Spicy Zucchini-Tomato Sauce

 

 Grilled Vegetables with Couscous

Agnolotti with Artichoke Sauce

Coconut Popsicles

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Fried Chickpea Hummus, Pizza Dip, Tomatillo Salsa

Almost Famous Broccolii-Cheddar Soup (Panera)

Salami-Mozzarella Calzone

Tilapia Masala with Rice

Triple Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Chicken Enchilada Suizas

 

Sweet Minted Iced Tea

Tortellini with Peas and Prosciutto

Almost Famous Cheddar Biscuits (Red Lobster)

Bell Pepper Slaw

and to end on a sweet note:

Five Layer Bars

all photos are from the foodnetwork website

Dr. Jessica Tompkins O.D.

My beautiful, sweet, kind, smart, funny cousin Jessica graduated from University of Houston's Optometry School this past Saturday.  We are all so proud of her and all that she has accomplished.  It was a demanding, stressful, overwhelming 4 years of her life, but she pushed through, studied day and night, and it all paid off Saturday.  Brian and I wouldn't have missed seeing her walk across the stage to get her certificate. 

When I moved here almost 13 years ago she was entering her Freshman year of High School.  I've seen her grow up and discover who she is.  I like to think I've had a positive impact on her life and some tough choices she's made along the way...she's the closest thing I have to a Sister and I adore her and love her bunches. 

On that same day, Saturday, her brother, Michael graduated with honors from Texas A&M University with a Masters in Business/Information Systems.  He finished in 4 years...with a Masters!!!  We are so proud of him too.  God has great plans for both of these "kids". 

classmates/study partners/friends

Tompkins Family

Daily Word (Fruitful)

Fruitful: Conducive to an abundant yield

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  There is no law against these things.”

The Fruit of the Spirit shouldn’t be what we do, but who we are.  Its presence is known no matter what circumstances are going on in our lives.  When we have surrendered our lives to the control of the Holy Spirit He produces fruit no matter what we are going through at the present time. 

Although we have the right to get angry we must temper it with self-control.  We may be frustrated that we’re stuck in a holding pattern, waiting on God to move on our behalf, but we must be patient.  Someone may get under our skin and irritate the fire out of us, but we are called to love them and show them kindness.  We may find refuge in food, shopping, laziness or a harmful addiction but with the immense intervention from the Holy Spirit we can replace our sinful patterns with self control. 

I knew I was under the control of the Holy Spirit when I had peace, joy, and faithfulness while waiting for my new heart.  People would remark at how I beamed with joy and peace during that storm.  I fully believe it was because I was completely surrendered to God’s plan and believed that He would come through.  I made a point to stay in the Word every single day, so that the Holy Spirit would be alive and active in me. 

Fruitful Christians are sensitive to the Spirit’s convictions.  Will we mess up?  You can bet on it.  However, if we’re actively dying to self and allowing the Holy Spirit to produce the fruits of the spirit in our lives we will quickly recognize that we’re wrong and return to the Lord in obedience.  Attempting to produce fruit on our own merit is impossible. The Christian walk isn’t about trying harder; it’s about yielding to the Spirit.  It’s called Fruit of the Spirit, not fruit of (insert your name here). 

Do you see that your spiritual fruit basket is lacking?  Is finding peace and patience with a certain person an impossible task?  Do you desire more self-control in your life?  We are transformed into the image of Christ when we yield control of our lives.  Take a moment to quiet yourself before the Lord and ask that the Holy Spirit indwell you in a way that you’ve never experienced before.    

hush little baby don't say a word....

momma's gonna buy you a mockingbird...

this is a song my Mom began singing to Karsten while she was here because of the baby mockingbirds that were learning to fly around our yard.  Mockingbirds are the State bird of Texas...they're everywhere.  Last week I noticed that one particular mockingbird was really irritated that Zoe was in the backyard.  This particular mockingbird would swoop down and "dive bomb" Zoe, causing Zoe (the cat in case you didn't know) tear into the house, scared half to death!  Then when Zoe was sitting in the doorway of our backyard this mockingbird would fly down, sit on the patio (within a few feet of Zoe) and squak at Zoe, again causing her to run back into the house.  I even saw the mockingbird fly right by Zoe, flapping it's wings violently...scaring Zoe half to death. 

Then I saw this same mockingbird with an insect in it's mouth and it hit me...there are baby mockingbirds somewhere...and I remembered a nest I had seen a few weeks ago.  I went and peeked...and this is what I saw...and captured!!!  Adorably Ugly...

and the click of the camera caused this reaction!!

There is something truly remarkable about watching momma and daddy birds care for their young.  From the time the sun rises to the after it sets those parents are back and forth from the nest all day gathering food.