"Paradise" this side of Paradise

Aloha! We recently went to Maui (mahalo to my very generous parents) along with my brothers and their families. The older 2 learned to surf, we snorkeled, paddleboarded, swam, beached, ate delish fish, played with cousins and even went to a luau. We made memories we won't soon forget! And before we even left the island we were wracking our brains on how and when we could get back to paradise this side of true paradise! Maui no ka oi! (Maui is the best)

Comfort Food

I love to bake and cook, something I inherited from my mom, who inherited it from her mom, my Nannie. I actually have a few recipes and cookbook or two that have Nannie's handwriting. It is something that I have of hers that keeps her close to my heart. I like to picture her in her kitchen, in the little house in Norwalk. Sitting at the table, writing down her recipes with the pen held in her petite hand, gold rings and bracelets on and nails polished with a metallic dark mauve color (painted with polish she kept on the door of the refrigerator because she thought that gave them a longer shelf life:).

Recipes come with memories. I hope my own brood looks back with fond memories, not just the food I made them, out of love, but also the memories of us sitting down, sharing the "best & most frustrating part" of our day at dinner time.

The other night I tried 2 new recipes, both simple, delicious and fairly healthy considering they both might fall into the "comfort food" category. 

        Quinoa chicken chili (made in the crockpot) 

                           

*I used organic chicken and believe it or not, found organic canned items it calls for at Fresh & Easy.

I also substituted the can of corn for frozen roasted corn from Trader Joe's. The chili recipe made a ton! Enough for our family of 5, plus a toddler (who didn't really eat it, though she does like quinoa by itself) to get 2 meals out of it.

                          Cornbread muffins

2 years ago

So much has happened in the past 2 years, almost feels like a lifetime when I really think about it.

It just donned on me yesterday that around this time, 2 years back, in October 2011, I began a new chapter that I never foresaw being written. I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer and we simultaneously decided to relocate 5+ hours away to San Diego, to follow Jason's call to ministry there. What an emotionally/spiritually stretching and exciting time that was...and continues to be!

God has shown Himself in a new way to me, that probably otherwise wouldn't have happened if I hadn't had cancer, or had stayed put in our comfortable, predictable life. NOT to say that He wouldn't have been the same amazing big God, but rather, that I would not have realized aspects of His unchanging character because I wouldn't have "needed" to. 

I am currently in a sweet season of having a heart so so full of gratitude. Trying hard to thank Him in all circumstances, remembering where He has brought me, but mostly for who He is. I change, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. I am weak, He is Strong. I am a sinner, He saved me by grace. The list could go on. It's very mood changing( you know how us girls can be moody;), you should try it. 

Here are a whole bunch of other things I am thankful for...

Family Characters

As we walked to the shower to rinse off the sand this afternoon, Jameson said, "I am glad we are a family", thoughtfully yet matter-of-fact.

"I am too", I replied. 

That is something I don't spend too much time thinking about, but as simple of a thought as that statement is, it rings true. Isn't God so good to know just how to make up our families?! Each person playing their role of a lifetime, that they were created for. Without one character (pun intended), the family just wouldn't be the same. 

Labor Day

Different than our normal Labor Day, spent at Hume Lake, we stayed local and enjoyed the tail end of the summer weather. Sand, friends, family and SUP boards. Couldn't ask for much more!

School Days

Back in the swing of things...school started for everyone this past week. I currently have a pre-kindergartener, 2nd and 6th grader. Bellen has informed me (wrinkle in brow) "no (s)cool, stay home mama". Hmmmm, I could go for this. Especially since I have mixed feelings about the sneaking up status of "no kids at home". Let's revisit this later...
Activities start up next week, along with church, so come September we will be in full swing. Perhaps that's what our 4 day Labor Day weekend is for, resting & rallying the troops before full speed ahead!?

Lifers

There are so many types of friends and friendships. Each holds its important place in our lives. But truly, the friends you share both the everyday happenings with AND also have cried and rejoiced with are the friendships that know depth. Depth that erases the time spent apart...whether it be years or months. We know each other well. Our weaknesses and strengths. We have watched each other grow and mature from the beginning of our adult years.
And while the 4 of us live in 3 different states and soon our friendship will span over 2 countries, we still manage to get together periodically. We don't mind the distance. No. The Lord has brought us each down a different path. It only makes it that much sweeter when we do get to spend a girls weekend together.
Talk, laugh, reminisce, share. These girls are Lifers. Friends forever.

His Special Place That Became "Ours"

Jason grew up going to Hume Lake...with his family on vacation, as a camper in his youth and then later as a summer life guard in his late teens. I remember when we were dating, he brought me to Hume one day, so excited to show me this place that held such fond memories for him. Back then, being the " city girl" that I was, I don't remember being quite as fond of it as he... Just happy to be with him anywhere, really. However, over the years, especially since his parents bought a cabin there, we have begun the same tradition of Hume Lake Jason was raised with. And it's become a special place for our family.
Of course, it's quite a trek now that we are San Diegans. But for the second year, we have brought the summer to a close with a week long stint at Hume Lake. This year, Meran attended her last year of Wagon Train (elementary camp), while the rest of us passed the days fishing (ok, not me), walking, exploring caves, catching up with friends & family and hanging out at the lake until our stomachs beckoned us back to the cabin for dinner. It was a week that brought rest, smiles and dozens of memories.