Stellen's Going Home!!

Praise God for good news on a Monday. After five weeks of hospitalization, Stellen is going home. Take a moment and read the post here and check out the video at the end. Make sure you have Kleenex handy. You will need it.

May God be praised and glorified through all we say and do, and all He asks us to endure! I have much to share with you in the next few days about how God is working miracles on a daily basis around here, but for now join me in praise and prayer, thanking God for this precious boy and his very tired but elated Mama!

Yea God!!

Mary

Thank You...

...for your prayers, emails, ideas and encouragement. I am fine, Courtney is fine and I will write more later. We are blessed indeed to be cared for by so many.

Blessings,

Mary

The Dark Places...

This morning begins Day 3 of being home with Court and I have to say this is not fun. Yes, I know it's necessary, just not fun. I do not like to be home bound as anyone close to me will tell you. I enjoy being out and about interacting with lots of people. Courtney is a lovely companion, but after three days of constant togetherness, even Courtney is getting tired of me.

Nighttime is the hardest. It is so dark and quiet. In between helping Courtney with her seizures, you would think that I would be reading or writing, but these days there is a lot of thinking going on. This is not necessarily a good thing. Lying awake late at night takes me to those dark places in my heart and mind that don't see the light very often. Fears, past mistakes, negativity rears it's ugly head and by morning I feel unworthy of so much. I feel depressed and sad, scared and overwhelmed. Worst of all I feel alone.

I know this is not true. I know it in my head, but sometimes that knowledge and peace don't make it all the way to my heart. I know that this is but a season in my life and it will pass. I know that God is present to me always even in the darkest of night, in the midst of fear and discouragement. I know it, now I am called to live it! That part is not always easy.

Why do you suppose that is? How do you get out of that pit? Suggestions...Anyone?

Blessings,

Mary

A Calm Spirit and A New Path...

Today began as any other weekday. 5:30 a.m. wake up, gather everything needed for Court and prepare for school. It had been a very long night for Courtney, lots of small seizures and not much sleep for either one of us. As I looked down at her sweet face, at peace and sleeping very soundy, I knew that the day would not go as I had planned.

How could I wake her up and disturb that peace she had worked so hard to find. So I called the school and we stayed home. Jerry is traveling this week, so it's just me and my girl. I crawled back into bed after giving Courtney her meds and we slept a few more hours.

Later, with tea in hand and a yummy toasted bagel for breakfast I sat to write for a bit. Well, Courtney had other plans. Not the kind either of us wish for . She has struggled a bit in the last few days with seizure control. So after some shake, rattle and roll she fell asleep again.

I started thinking about how we never really know how the day is going to go. We plan and make lists. We confirm appointments, gather and prepare for what we have on tap and then something out of the blue happens and it takes your breath away with the sudden shift. That's what living with a child who has seizures is like. Be prepared for anything, anytime, anywhere. Expect the unexpected.

I am at times lulled into a sense of complacency with the rhythm of life and then Courtney shows me that life is to be lived one day at a time, sometimes one hour or even one minute at a time. So we go together, hand in hand, anywhere she needs me to be.

Today we followed a new path. Who knows what tomorrow will bring. With a calm spirit and a peaceful heart, I will follow my girl wherever she leads me, always looking to the heavens for guidance and peace. Jesus, I trust in you.

Blessings,

Mary

2009 Steubenville Youth Conference

I cannot recommend these youth conferences enough. They changed the course of my sons life. He will be home in a month after completing his freshmen year at Franciscan. I praise God he had this experience and I pray that many more hearts will be touched. May we always place God "Above All".

I'm Off...

I am off to a writer's weekend. Very excited...I look forward to giving all the details next week. Please keep me and my family in your prayers. For safe travel and peace at home with hubby and Courtney. 

Have a Blessed Day!

Mary

*The above poster can be puchased at AllPosters.com

Meatless Friday ~ Mary's Supreme Tuna Casserole

This recipe has been developed over the years. My family loves casseroles and I grew up with the casserole queen for a mother. So when it came time to making a healthier and more sophisticated Tuna Casserole, I started with some favorites. These roasted veggies and of course canned cream soups. This recipe is a staple for Meatless Friday's in my home. Maybe it will become one in yours as well.

Bon Appetite!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mary's Supreme Tuna Casserole

Roasted veggies

5 cans white meat tuna

1 can Cream of Celery soup

1 can Cream Of Mushroom soup

1 pound whole wheat pasta of your choice

2 cups of grated cheese 

( If your looking to cute the fat then 1 cup will do you in the cheese department. I usually use Gruyere, Sharp Cheddar or Fontina. Sometimes I put in some Parmesan)

Cook Noodles according to package directions. Drain. Place all the above ingredients in a casserole dish, mixing together thouroghly. Bake at 350 degrees until golden on top. Enjoy!

Barefoot Contessa's Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes

These are just so scrumptious. We really enjoyed them after our Easter feast. So rich and topped with chocolaty goodness. You MUST give them a try! Ina hits a home run with these. You can find the recipe here.

Bon Appetite!

Mary

To Make You Smile...

Something to bring joy to your day from rainy and dreary Northern Virginia. I know, you've probably seen the following video as it has made it's way around the world wide web. It just makes me smile. Don't you just want to get up to dance and sing with Julie at the top of your lungs. Or is that just me...
Have a great day!
Mary

Scenes from Easter Sunday...

This was the first Easter spent without Jonathan who was at school. His cousins missed him terribly but managed to have a blast anyway. It was a day filled with family and food. I am blessed!

Mary

My Nieces and Nephews

Eleni hits the jackpot!

My Mother, Sister Marianne, Brothers Chris, Tim, Joe, David and Andrew and me the HUGE pink Easter Egg! I will make a better wardrobe choice next year. I promise! We are just missing Richard in CA.

My favorite guy in the world!

Barefoot Bloggers ~ Chinese Chicken Salad

This weeks (actually last week) Barefoot Bloggers recipe was selected by MacKenzie at Kenzie's Kitchen. It came together very easily and was quite yummy. It resembles Pad Thai without the noodles. However, I found the peanut butter a bit overwhelming and will change it up a bit next time by adding some lime juice and green onions. Some acidity would have been nice in cutting the thickness and sweetness of the peanut butter.
This recipe can be found in Ina's cookbook, Barefoot Contessa Parties! Give it a try. If your interested in other recipes check out the Barefoot Bloggers. I promise we won't bite!
Bone Appetite!Mary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Chinese Chicken Salad
recipe by Ina Garten

Ingredients
4 split chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on)
Good olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound asparagus, ends removed, and cut in thirds diagonally
1 red bell pepper, cored and seeded
2 scallions (white and green parts), sliced diagonally
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds, toasted
For the dressing:

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup good apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
1/2 tablespoon honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon peeled, grated fresh ginger
1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the chicken breasts on a sheet pan and rub with the skin with olive oil. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is just cooked. Set aside until cool enough to handle. Remove the meat from the bones, discard the skin, and shred the chicken in large bite-sized pieces.

Blanch the asparagus in a pot of boiling salted water for 3 to 5 minutes until crisp-tender. Plunge into ice water to stop the cooking. Drain. Cut the peppers in strips about the size of the asparagus pieces. Combine the cut chicken, asparagus, and peppers in a large bowl.

Whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing and pour over the chicken and vegetables. Add the scallions and sesame seeds and season to taste. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Divine Mercy Novena

The Divine Mercy Novena begins today, Good Friday and will conclude next Sunday Divine Mercy Sunday. It is a very powerful devotion and my family and I never miss an opportunity for grace.You can find the novena here.

Jesus, I trust in thee.

A "Divine Romance"...

Divine Romance
sung by Phil Wickham

The fullness of Your grace is here with me
The richness of Your beauty’s all I see
The brightness of Your glory has arrived
In Your presence God, I’m completely satisfied

For You I sing I dance
Rejoice in this divine romance
Lift my heart and my hands
To show my love, to show my love

A deep deep flood, an Ocean flows from You
Of deep deep love, yeah it’s filling up the room
Your innocent blood, has washed my guilty life
In Your presence God I’m completely satisfied

"Unredeemed"

You MUST go listen before Tuesday (4/7) to this incredible song "Unreedeemed" on Angie's Blog. Just an incredible anthem for all of us who are broken and searching. I can't wait until the CD is out in August.

Also say a prayer for me. I am speaking to a Mom's group on Tuesday about persevering through difficult times while keeping your eyes on God the whole way.

This will be my last post until Easter Sunday. May you be blessed this Holy Week as we all walk the road to Calvary with Our Lord Jesus Christ. Remember always we are redeemed by His Cross and Resurrection!

Blessings, 

Mary

"Thy Word"

"Thy Word"
By Amy Grant
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid,
And think Ive lost my way.
Still, youre there right beside me.
Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near;
Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

I will not forget
Your love for me and yet,
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus by my guide,
And hold me to your side,
And I will love you to the end.

Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near;
Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
And a light unto my path.
Youre the light unto my path.

Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Days 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40

This is it everyone. Your last few days of the Lenten "Love Dare" are here. Since we are headed into Holy Week tomorrow, I will be silent on this blog. I will be spending this week in prayer, fasting and preparation for the coming of Our Risen Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. There is much cleaning, cooking and busy work to accomplish, so I will place my vocations as wife and mother first this week. I look forward to seeing all of you again on Easter Sunday. I hope this Lent has been one of transformation for you. I know that is has been for me in so many ways. God is so good all the time! So buckle your seat belts...here we go!

Day 36

"Love Is God's Word"

"Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

~Psalm 119:105

"Be in it. Stay under it. Live It"

Today's Dare:

"Commit to reading the Bible every day. Find a devotional book or other resource that will give you some guidance. If your spouse is open to it, see if they will commit to daily bible reading with you. Begin submitting each area of your life to its guidance and start building on the rock."

Day 37

"Love Agrees in Prayer"

"If two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father."

~ Mathew 18:19

Today's Dare:

"Ask your spouse if you can begin praying together. Talk about the best time to do this, whether it's in the morning, your lunch hour, or before bedtime. Use this time to commit your concerns, disagreements, and needs before the Lord. Don't forge6t to thank Him for His provision and blessing. Even if your spouse refuses to do this, resolve to spend this daily time in prayer yourself."

Day 38:

"Love Fulfills Dreams"

"Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.

~Psalm 37:4

Today's Dare:

"Ask yourself what your mate would want if it was obtainable. Commit this to prayer, and start mapping out a plan for meeting some (if not all) of their desires, to whatever level possibly you can."

Day 39:

"Love Endures"

"Love never fails."

~ 1 Corinthians 13:8

Today's Dare:

"Spend time in personal prayer, then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your spouse. Include why you are committing to this marriage until death, and what you have purposed to love them, no mater what. Leave it in a place that your mate will find it."

Day 40

"Love Is A Covenant"

"Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God."

~ Ruth 1:16

Today's Dare:

"Write a renewal of vows and place them in your home. Perhaps, if appropriate, you could make arrangements to formally renew your weeding vows before a minister (or priest) with family present. Make it a living testament to the value of marriage in God's eyes and the high honor of being one with your mate."

The above italicized text come from The Love Dare written by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

The Lenten "Love Dare" has come to an end. May you find your life transformed, your marriage stronger and your beloved Jesus walking every closer by your side. May you and your be blessed always. It has been a privilege to walk these 40 days with you. May God be praised now and forever, AMEN!

Picture Thoughts for a Sunday...

I am just wondering on this beautiful Sunday how we got from here:
To here so quickly. Where did the time go?

Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 35

Day 35

"Love is Accountable"

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."

~ Proverbs 15:22

"A couple that faces problems alone is more likely to fall apart during rough times. However, the ones who interlock their lives in a network of other strong marriages radically increase their chances of surviving the fiercest of storms. It is crucial that a husband and wife pursue godly advice, healthy relationships, and experienced mentors.'

Today's Dare:

"Find a marriage mentor - someone who is a strong Christian and who will be loving and honest with you. If you feel that counseling is needed, than take the first step to set up an appointment. During this process, ask God to direct your decisions and discernment.'

The above italicized text come from The Love Dare written by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

Lenten Kitchen ~ Pasta Primavera

Spring has finally sprung into my kitchen. After three weeks of the flu, colds, severe allergies and ear infections running rampant through the house, I finally feel like cooking again. Working taste buds are key for delicious meals to occur. So last night I roasted some veggies and made one of our all time favorites Pasta Primavera from Giada De Laurentiis Everyday Italian cookbook.

This is such a simple and delectable recipe. It can be adapted to include pretty much any vegetable you like as well as adding in shrimp or chicken if desired. I use broccoli, tri-colored peppers, green beans, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, mushrooms, red onion, garlic and asparagus and whatever else my veggie drawer contains. All that glorious color just makes me happy. Give it a whirl. You won't be disappointed.

Bon Appetite!

Mary

Pasta Primavera
Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients
3 carrots, peeled and cut into thin strips
2 medium zucchini or 1 large zucchini, cut into thin strips
2 yellow squash, cut into thin strips
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1/4 cup olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs or herbes de Provence
1 pound farfalle (bowtie pasta)
15 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Directions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
On a large heavy baking sheet, toss all of the vegetables with the oil, salt, pepper, and dried herbs to coat. Transfer half of the vegetable mixture to another heavy large baking sheet and arrange evenly over the baking sheets. Bake until the carrots are tender and the vegetables begin to brown, stirring after the first 10 minutes, about 20 minutes total.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

Toss the pasta with the vegetable mixtures in a large bowl to combine. Toss with the cherry tomatoes and enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten. Season the pasta with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and serve immediately.

Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 33 & 34

Day 33

"Love Completes Each Other"

"If two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?"

~ Ecclesiastes 4:11

Today's Dare:

"Recognize that your spouse is integral to your future success. Let them know today that you desire to include them in your upcoming decisions, and that you need their perspective and counsel. If you have ignored their input in the past, admit your oversight and ask them to forgive you."

Day 34

"Love Celebrates Godliness"

"Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth."

~ 1 Corinthians 13:6

Todays Dare:

" Find a specific , recent example when your spouse demonstrated Christian charahcter in a noticeable way. Verbally commend them for this at some point today."

The above italicized text come from The Love Dare written by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

The Power of Prayer...

I am truly amazed at times by the power of the Internet and how many corners of the earth it reaches. We experienced this personally when we were going through Courtney's Campaign almost two years ago now. The power of the Internet to spread the word of someone who needs prayers and support is one of it's greatest gifts. 

I have been following MckMamas blog My Charming Kids for over a year now and been praying for Stellen since before he was born. I ask you to join me in prayer for him and his family. You can read their story here. 

God does bring forth good from all situations, and I know He will do so from this. Having lived in and out of the PICU with Courtney, I can empathize with all she and her little one are facing. The immediacy of possible death, accepting God's plan no matter what it is and the miracle needed to keep a peice of your heart here with you on earth.  May God be praised always through this wonderful family, no matter what He decides to allow.

Blessings, 

Mary

Here is the news story that aired yesterday in Minnesota

The Artist of Our Hearts...

This is truly a must read. Thanks once again to Angie @ Bring the Rain for the beautiful imagery. God truly is the creator and master of our canvas...the life He is calling us to. All He asks of us is to pick up the brush and trust Him with the rest. 

Blessings, 

Mary

Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Days 31 & 32

Yes, I know I am giving you two dares today. You can do it. Remember with God all things are possible! In order for us to be done with the Lenten "Love Dare" by next Wednesday, we will be picking up and extra dare both today and tomorrow. This way, you are completely focused on the Tritium of Easter and able to completely enjoy the fruits of this Lent.

The second dare is a very personal one and I feel strange even typing the words. However, as JPII taught in the Theology of the Body, sexual intimacy is a gift from God. Do not defile the marriage bed. So please pray about the dare and give yourself in right spirit. If today is not the right time for this dare, then listen and wait for God to whisper in your heart when that would be. Be open to His leading you. This is a serious as it getsbetween a man and wife.

I know, for me, that this has been one of the most challenging, yet fulfilling Lenten seasons I can remember. I hope you can say the same. So keep choosing to love each and everyday. God will be there with you every step of the way!

Day 31

"Love and Marriage"

"A man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh."

~ Genesis 2:24

Today's Dare:

"Is there a "leaving" issue you haven't been brave enough to conquer yet? (This would be a relationship with someone that may prevent you and your spouse from being one) Confess it to your spouse today, and resolve to make it right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it. Follow this with a commitment to your spouse and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship."

Day 32

"Love Meets Sexual Needs"

"The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband."

~ 1 Corinthians 7:3

Today's Dare:

"If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your spouse today. Do this in a way that honors what your spouse has told you (or implied to you) about what they need from you sexually. Ask God to make this enjoyable for both of you as well as a path to greater intimacy."

The above italicized text come from The Love Dare written by Stephen and Alex Kendrick