culinary pampering

My friend Cecilia hosted a Pampered Chef party Saturday and, though I've been to many in a somewhat bemused state of mind, I fell for the product hook line and sinker this time. I attribute that to an increasing enjoyment of cooking.

I may have mentioned the husband and I have an agreement - I cook holidays except in the warmer months when he barbeques, and otherwise he cooks. Now while I generally hold to my part, I frequently help on the other end to help with the flow of all things household. For the warm holidays I like to season meat experiment with rubs and spices, and to doctor sauces. More and more, though I've really begun to appreciate the art of cooking because it is not a 'responsibility'. I like sauces, and seasonings, and gravies, and making meals appealing and tasty.

So this time I could barely contain myself at the Pampered Chef party and, rather than it be my husband's order, most of the items are mine! I particularly fell in love with their seasonings and sauces. Oh my God's goodness! Cecilia served over poured over cream cheese with Wheat Thins (I couldn't stand these crackers in a major way!) - I was in heaven. And it was so easy, and so pretty, and SOOO delicious! The sauces I've ordered and fave tasted ...

Raspberry Habanero Sauce

Spicy Pineapple Rum Sauce

Cecilia nicely packed up a little goody bag to take home. She has the ultimate Pampered Chef kitchen. She looks to have everything. But it was her party- so she buys more if she wants to ;-). The party itself featured a veggie pizza a la our consultant Diane Coronado. I'm not a veggie person AT ALL, although I try to make sure they make it on my plate somewhere, but this was really really good! I think the dill added was the secret ingredient, but the crunchy texture of the chopped up vegetables made for a delightful experience. 

I plan to try my own pizza (without veggies) with the Pillsbury Pizza dough rather than the croissant demonstrated; but I think the outcome will be similar - I already make this, but I've got some new ideas and a great cutter n the way that won't scratch my pizza stone! The husband was ordering the round pizza set; saved him $35 and then ordered some more utensils, a great little cookbook for a $1 and of course the sauces and get another utensil free. I had always considered them expensive - now I think I made a steal!

I'm not satisfied though. I'm having an online party in July. Yes, July, because my first granbaby won't wait! I'm excited. Yes for the granbaby, but also my party - there are so many more items I want. I am far from being chef material, but I think I deserve being pampered for my new found fascination in culinary arts. Let me know if you're interested in my online party. For all things Na'na and granbabies and otherwise pampered ;-) check out the label.

standards

In the glitter city of Vegas listening to standards the likes of Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Irving Berlin, Cole Turner - a concert off the strip in the solitide of the weekend's accommodations, I'm soon to retire for the evening.

The husband edits some photography taken from the learning event we participated in the last two days and I update social networks and blogs as I let the pieces of a talk I'll be giving float around in my head until they work themselves together.

There's an honesty, romance, and transparency to the words pouring forth in melodious syncopation I am hearing. I am thoroughly enjoying this music and thankful to the people who have set it deeply into my soul - my mom and dad, all the singers of the time devoted to the nuances of its craft, and the beautiful voice of my precious friend Paula Prince.

It's simple things that bring beauty and peace to the soul. Thankful.

wading on the Lord

some times as I wade through things, as I progress, I get to a point where it seems circumstances or that Ephesians 6 crap just laughs hard and hysterically in my face.

Well I don't like it and it greatly hinders me.

But in the end, see enemy (always to be lowercase), I know whose I am and whose you are not. Checkmate. Game over.

Now I just have to find my way to operate in it again. Sing His song. Move along! End of story. In Him, I've got the Victory.

Php 3:12-14 and Is 40:29-31, 41:10; Rom 5 :3-4; Heb 12:1; 1 Cor 9:25-27

Having an ear to hear books

It's becoming known how much I like Ted Dekker's writing. When the Pastor mentions his wife's penchant for audiobooks, especially those penned by what author, and members of the body of Christ call it out ... uh oh! After 'House' (wow), I recently finished 'Obsessed' and was stirred by the unction to obsess as God obsesses - what a convention ... "like a pearl of infinite price". The husband and I are listening to a third book of the Circle Trilogy - we didn't get this 'Black' until after hearing 'Red' and 'White'.

I've also ventured into Francine Rivers' books - reading her story about the 'Prince' made the Biblical events come to life for me and more importantly perspective. As many times as I read the Bible the order and connectivity of events can get away from me, so I really enjoyed how she captured the life and loyalty of the first prince of Israel.

Meanwhile, I am 'literally' (pardon the pun) reading photography books - trying to get the concept of settings and the setting of settings to set naturally to me. Pray for me on that one.

Of Mice and Giants?

The giant, our eldest son, does nothing run of the mill; that includes illnesses and injuries. The flavor of the moment is MRSA, which his older sister calls Mutant Reaction to Sister Absence. But it is really staph infection in his knee area. The pain is such he can barely walk. So he is quarantined in the hospital wondering what became of his three-day weekend. Praying he is well soon.

As the saying goes, ...

The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men,
The best laid schemes of Mice and Men
oft go awry,
And leave us nothing but grief and pain,
For promised joy!
Robert Burns, To a Mouse (Poem, November, 1785)

Peace in the knowing

I struggled and fussed and overturned all the possibilities to gain resolve on one issue watching minutes turn to hours to more than half a day - overly invested - but a solution was required. He handed me the answer. I had gone on to other things that need be done. 'Did you not KNOW I would be there for you?' I realized I had once again gone off under my own steam. Now I am sitting at the feet of Jesus and I have peace.
Isaiah 41:10 

short life in a small world

There was a fatal accident in the Inland Empire last week along the side of the freeway creating severe traffic back up, as traffic one way was at a full stop and the opposite moving slowly. As I understand it, hours earlier, two were in the act of refueling a car when a semi truck veered into them, subsequently setting everything into flames and jack-knifing. The guy fell down to the lower street afire and the girl burned to death by the car.

It was amazing to hear such graphic details at 5:30 in the morning as our vanpool decided its route to work; other stations weren't quite so thorough.It left me pondering life ephemeral and praying for their loved ones. They were young, and shortly before life lay open before them. Now they are gone.

Life is not only tenuous; once again I see it is a small world. I had wondered, familiar with the vicinity of this accident, whether I might know them or someone they knew. Such coincidences often occur in the fabric of existence. On the weekend I discovered that one of the deceased was a client of the barber who does the youngest's hair.

Don't take life for granted - this moment is the only one you're promised; the next holds no guarantees.

a rose for working dedicated moms

I wasn't given this rose because I am a working mom. My colleague's roses were in bloom and she shared them. It wasn't because she's a working mom; her children are now grown as are nearly all of mine. But I share this rose in tribute to the dedicated mothers who face the challenges out there in the marketplace, wherever it may be. Too easily their dedication can be slammed by those who haven't walked in their shoes, just as easily as some sneer at the dedication of some moms to the challenges of staying-at-home. In all, cheer their undaunted creativity and drive to complete their families the way that fits best for them and in their given circumstances.

"She considers a field and buys it;
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
   her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
   and her lamp does not go out at night.
...Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
Bless you.

Christmas Kleenex Classics

I've started my vacation, so I'm ready to enjoy many of the wonderful movies of the season. I'm a sap for the season's film fare, so I'm all ready with an endless supply of kleenex. There are many movies I will watch this Christmas, on the Hallmark Channel, GMCTV, Turner Movie Classics and AMC for the most part, many which I've never seen but also ones I look for to watch every year.

I'm hoping to add to seeing White Christmas with Crosby and Kaye, the precursor film Holiday Inn with Crosby and Astaire. Have you seen their storylines - they have in common, yes, the beloved song 'White Christmas', introduced in the latter. Story has it that the song 'White Christmas' "was originally about a New Yorker stranded in sunny California during Christmas". The movie Holiday Inn covers a spectrum of holidays (similar to Sleepless in Seattle's Christmas to Valentine's Day) being a venue that was only open on holidays--I understand that the reknown Holiday Inn hotel chain took its name from this movie.

Connecticut, the locale for Holiday Inn, also boasts the movie Christmas in Connecticut, a rare classic with Stanwyck. If you're into rare Christmas classics, I hear that her Remember the Night is a jewel, another one is The Bells of Saint Mary, another Crosby favorite.

My most favoritest Christmas movies are:

• Best of all is the Nativity - you can climb into biblical times and experience the depth of the experience of Christ's birth, Joseph's challenge and commitment, Mary's demise and courage ~and  their risks--live Christmas Day and bring it home to your heart with real understanding. 
• Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol - I've watched it since a child and know every song. My daughter and I can quickly break out into 'where are two shoes that click to my clack'.  Check for other wonderful Carol movies and Christmas recommendations.
• It's a Wonderful Life - Marlo Thomas did a made-for-TV version not available.  It the version I love best, but I never tire of the original - that opportunity to remember even my life means something, touches people; every life does.
• Miracle on 34st Street is wonderful in any version.
• a dear, dear favorite - The Gift of the Magi
• The Bishop's Wife and The Preacher's Wife
• This Christmas
• The Grinch
• I like watching too, in a somewhat different vein, the Die Hard series. But then that would be a different blog post; one that doesn't require kleenex! :-)

May all your Christmas movies be a bright part of your holidays!

March October

Just noticed how far behind the blog I've gotten - much to make up for. It's been quite a year - a God year; but then isn't every year? I will attempt to bridge the gap and be more faithful to the future.

The months that have gone by have been filled with family, commuting, and ministry. The husband and I have been heavily into photography; he has ’skilz’; most of our work is on flickr.com. (Clicking the pictures should take you to more pictures). We’ve spent time on the street where we live just enjoying our neighbors, celebrating birthdays, engagements, triumphs, losses – people we’ve known since we moved here.

There were graduations - Bridgette from UC Santa Cruz (with the colorful braids whizzing by in a sea of people), Antoinette from Cal State San Bernardino now living a while Paris, and our vivacious queen from high school heading to take Chapman College by storm! The kid had a stellar year in the 5th grade and now he’s in his final year of elementary. We had great concern when the Giant cornea was scratched; but God is good and he is healing nicely.

As pastor of Friendship Community Church, the husband performed his first baptism and it was for precious mom and daughter members whose family near and far came to witness it. We have watched our youth grow under the dedicated loving care of Mike and Norma, enjoyed the worship presence of Leon Patillo and his wonderful wife Renee, and enjoyed the love of our congregation throughout the year in trial and tribulation, as well as times of rejoicing.


The summer also was a time of more trips and reunions too. In addition to Santa Cruz, we skipped down to the Palm Canyon timeshare (pool below), and were in Ogden, UT for the husband’s family reunion the Juneteenth weekend (city celebration below), stopping at the Las Vegas timeshare for a hot minute. His high school had friends coming in from all over to descend upon The Westin Hotel, Pasadena – a wonderful weekend of fun.



We also surprised the kid in visiting the Ramona timeshare again enjoying two days at the San Diego Zoo, getting to see the Panda girls (one above) before they returned to China the very next day. We also enjoyed short little jaunts like the 3rd Street Farmers Market in Upland.

Overall while absent we have been experiencing reaffirmation, forgiveness, growth, replenishment, hard work and refreshment, His blessing and Hand in our lives … singing ‘if I Could Still I Wouldn't Take Nothin' For My Journey Now.’ I’m recommitting to blogging. I’ve missed it. Thanks for sitting in.

Holiday Potpourri Weekend Bonanza

A weekend of holiday potpourri - Valentine, Chinese New Year, President's, Marriage Week - take your pick, and for us a birthday celebration for the youngest. We ended up with a five day weekend and picked the youngest after to school Thursday to head down to the San Diego area. We went to Crossroads CRC in San Marcos for the church denomination's local classis meeting. While the husband attended, I took the youngest one of his favorite eateries, Panda Express, to celebrate his birthday - it was fun finding where to eat on the GPS. I was also using it to listen to Octavia Butler's Kindred, which has me captivated; fortunately the youngest likes listening too.

The husband and I had spent the day preparing to leave. I had my hair done by Monique; Lynn is recovering from surgery - both very special ladies. The husband and I went to see the movie 'Avatar' we had attempted to see last month. That time something was wrong with the theater sound system and we ended up with re-entry tickets. We very much enjoyed the movie in 3-D, the effects, the story. Afterward we stopped quickly at Burger King, as the youngest's school was letting out.

Once the car was packed we set off east the 60 to the 215 south until it hooked up with the 15 and further. We veered off to check into the Riviera Oaks in Ramona and then headed back to San Marcos. I enjoyed seeing several of the classis attendees again - Lois Vanderpol and Mike, Neville Koch, Cor Pool; I missed the Karstens, Phil DuBois, and Al Breems - but while I met some new people too, the husband was able to meet with them all. He obtained good information about our denomination, much that would prove useful to our congregation and was encouraged. Afterward we headed back to our accommodations.

Friday we spent leisurely around the place taking photographs, the likes of which we only had to go out our door. Everywhere there were bees and other insects, a variety of colorful birds in an assortment of trees and bushes, horses, cyclists, and many flowers. I only saw a rabbit once. The youngest camera and DS along to amuse him; we never even hooked up the Wii we had packed. I've begun exercising and wanted the option just in case.

We took a ride into town, Main Street, and bought some groceries at the local Staters. We bring most of our groceries with us. Riviera Oaks has a fully equipped kitchen with stove and microwave, pots and pans, etc., and a barbeque; it also has a nice fireplace. We had sausage and eggs in the morning before and for dinner rice with lousiana hot link. On Saturday, we had breakfast of steak and eggs (which was going to serve us well for the long day ahead), before checking out and heading for the Wild Animal Park. These pictures will also be posted on flickr.

It took no time to pack at all, and we were on our way by 10:30, which was just on the way back several miles. Our destination was a surprise to the youngest, as part of his birthday celebration. He had been to the San Diego Zoo on a school field trip previously; but he quick concluded, and confirmed by the end of the day, this was much better!

We were not able to cover the whole place in the time we had - we saw the bird aviaries, the monkeys, the gorillas, the elephants, the meerkats and dik diks, lorikeet, and took the safari tour of the zebras, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, etc. We still had major areas like the botanical gardens yet to see when we return. It was a very full day of walking! My pedometer said it was. People watching was phenomenal as well - observing the dynamics of how well people take care or don't of their children was another study altogether ;-)

It was a very satisfied and tired family that left, stopping at MacDonald's before heading home. The youngest said "it's going to be tomorrow before we get home". What a sense of time! We even had time to put most everything away that same evening after the husband got us there safely.

Sunday, our day of worship service, was spent with our First Love and went very well. I enjoyed the worship and the Word and seeing the saints. One of the couples had celebrated Valentines Day at the Gold Classic Cinemas in Pasadena where they had a meal AND saw the movie 'Dear John'. They said it was most enjoyable. One of our newlywed couples had just seen Avatar, the frist time they had gone to the show with each other. I watched, while I was singing, the boyfriend of one young lady enter church with a bouquet of flowers, a stuffed animal, and such, and saw her face of surprise when she saw him as she mouthed 'oh my '! One dear couple is celebrating their 21st valentine anniversary! What a blessing! I love our church!

The afternoon we got the car washed, finished unpacking and relaxed. I marinated and cooked a tip round roast, served with mashed potatoes and a mushroom steak gravy. The husband made his delicious ice tea. In the time we had left, the youngest had visits from siblings remembering his birthday. He had some phone calls before the weekend started.

The last day of our time off, we've spent accessing our sore walking muscles and doing a few household chores, slowly coming back to reality. But all in all, it's been a very nice holiday potpourri weekend - one filled communing with Creator and His creation; love and nature; peace and relaxation; fun , family and fellowship - something we must do again real soon!

Found 'The Three F's Of Marriage'

Came across a article on marriage - a quick read and a worthy consideration: The Three F's Of Marriage - Marriage - Families.com

those three Fs let us disagree and they let us fight and they help us to reach compromises and harmony when we need to.
Do you have the three Fs in your marriage?

What do you think the F's are? Are they the same that you experience? Can you think of others?

pre 2010 retrospect

At the end of 2009, I think what a decade! The husband and I, married in 1999, shared the decade with our youngest and all of the total eight of the family blend. We became home-owners by the grace of God and, in a decade ending in financial crisis, we are still here, better situated than when we started, and gainfully employed. While long we have walked with the Lord as best we could, this decade has taken us to a whole new level in that walk, with God fulfilling His promise to a 13-year-old me that I would be the wife of a minister.

While we have had trials along the way and we have had our failures, and disappointments, and have some yet to be victorious over; we have come so very far. In 1999 our family may have seemed a ragtag group but, now it 10th season, it has found its way. I'm proud of each and everyone of the children and the spouses of those that are married. We have had weddings, military enlistments, studies abroad, artistic performances, scholarships, academic achievements, graduations, and the care and passing of parents.

I marvel too at all the husband has accomplished in these the years we have had together. And together we have made many friends, and some precious lasting ones. I am thankful for those friends and for family - those of his I've met, and for my brother and sister and their families and our cousins, etc. Most of all I am constantly amazed at God in our lives.

What will 2010 bring? I don't know ... but I'm in for the long haul!

so goes Moes'

received email that Moe's Chicken and Waffles is closing! What! I stopped by there today and had some chicken, beans and rice with a corn muffin. Spoke to Anita for a minute. They'll be around doing catering and such. I'll be looking for their next venture. Lord please let this recession run its course. Moe and Anita are just the nicest folx with the best food! I'm going to miss them!

Their last day is tomorrow and ALL entrees are $7.99. We are going to swing by for some vittles after church tomorrow. The Lord bless you guys and your family! Maybe I'll see you.

$30

the youngest couldn't breathe last night - woke me up at midnight, throat constricted, the coughing had taken it's toll. I did everything I knew to treat the situation. I surmised it wouldn't be necessary to go to emergency. This is the last of eight and not a new situation for me. But my prayers were constant and I stationed myself beside him once his breathing was settled; I was afraid to sleep - afraid if I did ....

come morning we scooted over to urgent care and his symptoms were treated. I placed his prescription; it was $30. $30! Usually I pay $4-$15. $30? There wasn't a generic form. I only had one to fill. I have $30. Had I been without insurance - $180. One time deal. I could come up with $180, to keep my loved one, more than one time .... My situation - minor.

I know people with chronic health situations, making medicine choices every day. I don't know people, mom's like me, trying to figure how to keep a loved one alive. I know they are there. Right here in the U. S. of A! People need health insurance - everyone! God help this country make away for everyone to have health insurance; for everyone to be able to sleep at night without that fear for someone's life.

the kid is 10

hummmin' to Michael Jackson music, the dog gone kid is 10. School starts tomorrow and the kid is in the 5th grade. He qualified for the GATE program, for which he is very jazzed. The teacher sent him a postcard letting him know how excited she is to have him in her class, which he has been carrying around showing to anyone who would look.


"the kid is mine; the dog gone kid is mine"

We prayed over his school year tonight after a steak dinner which he loves - his teacher, the school, his classmates and schoolmates, and him. He is a precious child.

Earlier today, I read two articles that blessed me. They may bless you as well.

The Most Important Thing to Teach Your Public-School Child
Teaching Kids to Love God: From Theory to Practice

summer settlin' ...

and the heat is on!

The kid is out of school the month of July. We a couple of days in Palm Springs the week of the 4th. This weekend's heatwave called for the husband's company party in the Palos Verdes Peninsula - a time of swimming, mingling, and food. We had a great time.

It conflicted with the train gangs summer birthday celebration, but Saturday there was a bbq replete with karaoke! Made some new friends - one couple met on the internet like us and had the same age differential; they also enjoyed photography.

The giant and his wife are back from Washington; it's nice to have them nearby. It's been a busy month and looks to continue that way. We manage to squeeze in episodes of the last season of Stargate Atlantis.

UNTHINKing ...

finger lickin' good reflections

Originally uploaded by normzrib

http://www.unthinkfc.com/ was posted everywhere - FB, emails, twitter, etc. Our family took advantage of the coupons and had a delicious meal for 3 - not spending $15. What a treat! I feel like my dear friend Nicole 'touched me' with her blessing. She saves money all the time - I'm waiting for her How-To book. And thanks to my dear stylist I was able to get access to that coupon.
At any rate, this was a very pleasant family night after attending Wednesday night Bible study - which usually leaves me hungry for more of the Word AND food! I see more correlations - the Study enables me to 'unthink' erroneous teaching by knowing the Bible, to reduce the fat in life by choosing the lean choice of truth. The Grill was delicious, beyond my expectations.

There is now a raincheck for the KFC; check http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdFJjeLYVjk

Posting Up!

rover over kid rocks in stereo

rover over kid rocks in stereo
Originally uploaded by normzrib

Thursday was take your kid to work day - and so the day went. One of the activities the kid participated in was having a miniature Rover roll over his and other kids' backs. He consulted with engineers and scientists, and delivered mail for administrators. He met bosses and colleagues, participated in various activities. My office mate took him to the company store from which he gained many goodies. We also went to Perdue's - www.perduesbbq.com- in Pasadena. Activities included building a rocket and launching it into the air via a bottle stomp. Check out the pictures on flickr to get a better sense of the day - http://www.flickr.com/photos/runzdmc/sets/72157617241990048/.

He experienced the full day of rising early to take the commuter van to put in a 9-hour day. Both of us having not been feeling well, put in a long but interesting day at the office. Welcome to my world, I say :-)

take note

take note
Originally uploaded by normzrib

- We have been finding this picture amusing. My neighbor who also - watches the youngest has lovely flowers around the home. However, people dig them up and drive away with them - plant stealers. Thus the note! In short order not only did the note disappear but more plants. Low lifes.

Eight days later, the youngest found along the wall of our back yard, adjacent to their plants, three of the plants - apparently tossed over. Explain that rationale. How strange!

Well neighborhood watch has been notified; plant stealers beware! *sigh* what next?