Eyes of My Heart

Separation anxiety has begun

I have to admit it. I love that she needs me. I love knowing that I am that important to someone. I mean, I know how much my husband adores and needs me - he is brilliant at showing me how much he cares for and is devoted to me. But this little gal, she is starting to lose it when I leave her. It touches me to know that she is so attached to my care...that I matter so much. For someone who used to think that her life was of little consequence, that is profoundly moving.

And scary.

I pray that God keeps our family together. But I know He works in ways I don't understand sometimes. Some very sweet children in our church recently lost their dear mother to an illness that swept through her like wildfire. I pray that God will protect us from such a fate but more importantly, I pray that my husband and daughter will always be comforted by God and the knowledge that, by our faith in Jesus we may all be together in Heaven for eternity. And I pray for the rest of my family, that God opens the eyes of their hearts to see Him. Because I want so very much to be with them forever, too.

Turkeys!

I used to work in marketing for a major grocery store. Every Thanksgiving, I talked alot of turkey. Well, recently, some friends of ours took us on tour of the local turkey farm where they live and work. I wish you could hear them gobble and smell the...smells. But you'll have to be content with the photos instead.

These are the hens.

These are the chicks, er...poults, I think they're called.

And a close-up - they are so sweet that I almost don't want to eat them...Almost.

It works for me

Thank Martha Stewart for this one. Leftover coffee makes great ice cubes to add to...leftover coffee. I am forever starting cups and getting sidetracked so I always have leftovers. Also, I juiced a watermelon the other day and froze the leftover juice in the ice tray as well. The juice cubes are a nice addition of sweetness to my water, lemonade and tea.

Watermelon juice, in case you don't know, is one of the best ways to treat dehydration and summer heat symptoms. Enjoy!

For more WFMW ideas go to Rocks in my Dryer.

Week Seven Weigh in

I lost another pound. It just left on its own, no real help from me. I did everything I could to keep it around. I ate fast food, cookies, real soda, mexican food and even donuts. But still, gone. I guess it was just its time to go. Bye- bye little pound. I hope you're happy where you are going because frankly, I'm not making room for you to come back. That's right. I will flush you out with water so fast it will make your head spin. So, sionara 16 ounces!

Auntie Em! Auntie Em!

My husband's grandmother and I (Hi Nana) have been discussing the weather alot lately.  I saw these photos and thought of her. She's seen alot of storms and been struck by lightning. If you like beautiful, scary storms, these are for you. The link on the bottom may also be of interest.

Fun on the floor - Works for Me Wednesday

Copious dog  hair, corn-husk strings, bread crumbs, cherry pits, outside dirt...no matter how much I try to keep my kitchen floor clean, there always seems to be something that makes me wince at putting my little one on it while I cook. Enter the yoga mat. I keep it rolled up nearby and with one hand I can hurl it out, plop her down and voila! Safe, clean fun. It's also easy on her knees (and head) when she decides to scoot or keel over. I've recently discovered the joy of giving her items from my kitchen instead of her usual toys - she loves it!

For more (and better) ideas, visit Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer.

Week five weigh-in - no change

While there is no change in my weight this week. (well, there was - it went up and then back down again), I am in a new place where my eating is concerned. Inspired by this post from Study in Brown, I have given up any chocolate that is not fair trade, thus greatly reducing, or eliminating my intake. I don't miss it. It has been replaced by some of the best fruit I've ever tasted. I never liked fruit. How, I don't know. It's amazing stuff. Especially, my newest Farmer's Market discovery, the Mariposa plum. FIND AND EAT. SOOOO sweet and delicious!


I haven't craved any junk foods anyway. A pregnancy perk? Still no confirmation...I'm testing again tomorrow. Obviously that would take me out of the challenge, but if that's the case, I'll still be rooting for you all while I "eat for two". Good luck this week, y'all!

Mashed potatoes and carrots

I have reached a saturation point with processed foods. All of them. I am ravenous for God's perfect foods. They are an amazing gift and maybe it's my suspected (ohpleasewhenwillIknowforsureitsmakingmecarzynottoknow) pregnancy, but truly, I can't get enough fruits and veggies right now. Or protein. Or cooking. I made smoothies and bran muffins for breakfast and then noshed on fresh cherries and apricots. I made a fresh basil pesto for our grilled chicken for lunch and I alone ate 2/3 of a large bag of edamame to go with it. I drank a quart of strawberry lemonade this afternoon after woozily (and a bit queasily!) making my way throughout the grocery store (I am so EXHAUSTED - if I'm not pregnant, there's something wrong). And for dinner I baked some Copper River Salmon and served it with a lettuce salad with apricots (and goddess dressing) and these mashed potatoes and carrots. I don't know about you, (Shucks,  I don't even know who you are, except you - Hi Mom and you - Hi Nana. And - oh, honey, is that you? I didn't even know you read my blog - er, we'll talk later). Anyway, I don't know about most of you, but I LOVe mashed potatoes. I love them skin-on, loads of butter, heavy cream, garlic and horseradish - intense and oh, so bad for you. Well, usually. But, today I made them with no milk or cream and a mere tablespoon of butter for the lot. Instead I used the cooking liquid! And they were soooooo very good. I loved the sweetness of the carrots with the subtle bite of the garlic. It's nice not to feel heavy afterwards, too. And it looks pretty, too. My husband, who hates carrots said these were the best mashed pots he's ever had. Here's the recipe:

Mashed potatoes and carrots

3 medium potatoes, scrubbed peeled and cut into two inch chunks
3 medium carrots, ditto above
2 cloves of garlic, peeled
1 tablespoon of butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Put the veggies in the pot and cover with water plus just 1/2 inch. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low and cook until soft. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid. If there is more than 1/2 cup of liquid, boil it down some more). Put veggies, 1/2 cup of liquid, butter, salt and pepper in food process and puree for just a bit, until combined. There should be some small bits of carrot still visible. Serve. Enjoy!

All in all, I prefer foot.

She refuses to eat much of anything but my milk but oh, how she loves her feet!

P.S. I am up to my ears preparing for the Bible story time at Vacation Bible School along with the persistent, nagging question of wether or not my sudden onset of fatigue, short attention span, and did I mention, fatigue? are symptoms that I am yet again, pregnant.  So, I haven't had the time or mental capacity to post much of anything besides pictures and links. If you're hungry for prose, check out the folks on the right for good readin'.

Comfort for a new mommy

Some new but very good friends of ours just learned that they are going to have a baby. This is an answered prayer as we really hoped to raise our children together. As I experience their joy with them, I remember how giddy and elated and overwhelmed with joy, pride and well....fear we were. I, in particular, was very unsure of my abilities and promptly read every baby book I could find with all of their conflicting theories (attachment parenting vs. parent centered parenting) and listened to all the conflicting advice ( "let her cry it out",  "feed on demand or she won't attach properly") until it made my head spin. Really. It was quite something when it happened.

I am referring them, and all of you to  Everyday Mommy's posts about becoming a mother. Even if you had/have great confidence in your abilities, there are some beautiful thoughts worth reading.

Oh, and this picture of our little one was taken when she was a month old in the church nursery. (We  happily let go of the pacifier a couple months ago)