"These tender cookies are made with cream and studded with sweet strawberries for a portable version of a classic dessert."
INGREDIENTS
Makes about 3 dozen.
12 ounces strawberries, hulled and cut into 1/4-inch dice (2 cups)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
3 ounces (6 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2/3 cup heavy cream
Sanding sugar, for sprinkling
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine strawberries, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining 7 tablespoons granulated sugar in a large bowl. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter, or rub in with your fingers, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cream until dough starts to come together, then stir in strawberry mixture.
Using a 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, drop dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment, spacing evenly apart. Sprinkle with sanding sugar, and bake until golden brown, 24 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool. Cookies are best served immediately, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
J is spending his summer working for a moving company. It's hard physical work. One of the perks is that he was able to negotiate with his father the purchase of a new for Jonathan/used 1999 Ford Ranger pickup truck to drive to and from work.
From the look on his face, I think all the manual labor is worth it! Congratulations son on the purchase of your first car. Dad and I are proud of you! Now back to work!
I have a new writing gig over at Phases of Womanhood. Check it out here. I encourage you to take a look at this fabulous website for women in all phases of life. Let me know what you think. Don't be shy, leave a comment, vote on your favorite articles and blog postings. I am thrilled to be counted among the incredible women writing for this site. May God be praised through all of it!
I had the opportunity last week to use my new cookbook from Paula Deen, The Deen Family Cookbook. It is chock full of southern deliciousness.Since it was Friday and in our home we try to keep it meatless all year round, this recipe just jumped from the page. It came together in less than 20 minutes, including the rice I served it over. It was simple, fresh and delightful. Of course I have yet to be disappointed by the Queen of Butter!
I look forward to making many more recipes from this cookbook. Don't worry. I promise to take pictures when I do.
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the wine, salt, pepper flakes and pepper to taste, and bring to a simmer. Let the liquid reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the shrimp and artichokes, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are just pink, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in the basil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with salt to taste and serve over pasta or rice.
A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman is a tale of friendship and faith, of letting go and letting God direct the path. This inspirational historical romance takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and events. The backdrop is Boston in the Roaring 20's and the O'Connor family has expanded with the marriage's of Lizzie's older sisters, Faith and Charity. Their romantic journey's are chronicled in the first two books of Lessman's The Daughters of Boston series A Passion Most Pure and A Passion Redeemed. This book can be read as part of that or as a stand alone. Either way, you won't be disappointed.
The love story at the center of this book is simple and pure. Elizabeth O'Connor has been best friends with John Brady for years. He is a mentor to her. One who shares her love of scripture and literature. Lizzie grows up and falls in love with John. John however has a secret past and holds shame deep in his heart. He comes to discover his love for Lizzie but doesn't feel worthy of it. Through some fabulous plot twists and turns, during a time in our history where the moral fabric of our society is being heavily tested, Lessman brings about a conclusion filled with depth and redemption for both Lizzie and John.
What I love about Lessman's writing is her ability to bring you into the story. Her characters are so bright and vivid that you are drawn into their inner struggles over faith and morals. You care about them and you will find yourself cringing when the decision they make is not a good one and cheering when it is. I absolutely love how she deals with passion and lust. She meets them head on and doesn't trifle with words. Lessman usually brings the point home through wonderful dialogue between her characters. Passion is a good thing. It's how God made us to be. But we must obey the parameters that He set forth for us. Their struggles are very real and relatable to today's society. Her books celebrate marriage in a way I have not seen in the recent past.
Also, I have to say this as a Catholic who has read Inspirational Christian Fiction for years. There is a secondary character, a priest named Fr. Mac, who is just wonderful. He is young and vibrant and plays a wicked game of basketball. No scandal, nothing inappropriate happens. He is such a redeeming character. Thank you Ms. Lessman for that gift. It's like Bing Crosby from "Going My Way" stepped off the pages. Just delightful. Her attention to details, be they religious or historical, are very well done.
One of my favorite quotes from the book comes from a conversation between John and Fr. Mac about holding on to the past.
John says " Too many skeletons in my closet and a past that even Harry Houdini couldn't escape."
Fr. Mac replies "Yeah, well, that's the beauty of faith in God. Forgiveness is a fringe benefit."
It is a fringe benefit indeed! The struggle to let go and let God heal is very prevalent in this book, as well as Lessman's earlier works. So powerful are the lies the deceiver tells us, that we are not worthy of God's redeeming love. How wrong he is!
The Romantic Times Book Reviews said "This is not your mother's inspirational fiction." and they are right. There is no preaching in this book, just a wonderful tale of a young lady coming into her own adulthood trying to figure out who God wants her to be. She falls in love with a young man who is holding onto his past so tightly, he is missing the beautiful gift that is set before him, the love of his life.
I highly recommend this book and the others in The Daughters of Boston Series. Thank you Ms. Lessman for a wonderful trip through history filled with romance and intrigue. What a fabulous way to spend an afternoon.
Chef Virginia Willis has hit a home run with her debut cookbook, Bon Appetite, Y'all: Recipes and Stories from Three Generations of Southern Cooking. Starting with the fabulous title and beautifully detailed cover, to the inspiring photographs inside, this cookbook is a sentimental journey through three generations, sharing favorite recipes as well as several inspired by those favorites.
The stories are sweet and the recipes sweeter. My favorite so far is a lovely twist on an old standard, French Toast Casserole. Willis describes it this way:"The smell of butter, kissed with cinnamon." I agree whole-heartedly. This is a wonderful combination of vanilla and cinnamon. It's easy to make and convenient enough for a weekday morning. I urge you to give it a try.
Bon Appetite!
Mary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
French Toast Casserole
recipe on pg. 71
by Virginia Willis
4 TBSP unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 loaf brioche or challah, sliced 1 1/2 inches thick
8 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup whole milk
1 TBSP pure vanilla extract
1/2 TSP ground cinnamon
1/2 TSP ground ginger
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
Confectioners' sugar for accompaniment
Maple Syrup
Combine the melted butter and brown sugar in a baking dish. Arrange the bread slices in the dish. Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a bowl. Pour over the bread, letting it soak in. Top with pecans. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to 12 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Let the chilled casserole stand at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Bake until browned and set, 30-45 minutes. Remove to a rack to cool slightly. Sift over confectioner's sugar. Serve hot or warm with maple syrup.
They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
in their peril their courage melted away.
They reeled and staggered like drunken men;
they were at their wits' end.
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men."
Psalm 107: 23-31
Read On Memorial Day 2001 at the Funeral Mass for William J Green, Jr.
Dear Daddy,
It's been eight years since I held your hand for the last time, since I whispered how much I love you into your ear, since I watched Mom look into your eyes with such compassion and love. Sometimes I feel the distance of every single one of those years and other days it feels like you went home to God just yesterday, the images and emotions are so bright and intense.
There are so many things I want to thank you for.
So many lessons I learned from you. You taught me the meaning of family. You showed me what it is to fight for someone you love and fight hard. Whether it be an illness or a disagreement, you taught me to persevere even in the darkest of days when all seems lost. For all things are but a season in life and they will pass. I just need to be patient, steady and wait in prayerful anticipation of the miracles that God has in store for me each and every day.
You taught me to believe without seeing, to trust God in all things, even the really hard stuff. You taught me to seek solace in Mother Mary and St. Jude. You spent so much time with your "knees to the earth". Your life was an example of devotion to Our Lord no matter what he brought your way. You picked up your cross and you walked, always with joy in your heart and a smile on your face.
You taught me to respect myself and the gifts God has given me. "Fear does not come from God but from the one who wishes you nothing but harm. Do not believe what he tells you. There all lies." You would tell me that all the time. You encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and just leap, God would provide the net. You were a great leaper Dad. You went wherever God called you. I hope I can do it half as well as you did Daddy.
You taught me what true passionate love looks like. You loved Mom with all your heart and soul and we knew that. You would do anything for your girl. I loved when you danced with her in the living room or dipped her for a kiss in the kitchen. The way you held hands when you walked down the street even toward the end when Mom would steady your steps. You loved her with all you heart and soul and she loved you right back with everything she had. She still does to this day. I know that she looks forward to holding your hand once again in heaven for an eternity. Not yet though, I still need her here for awhile longer. I'm selfish that way you know. God can only have one of you at a time.
You taught me the tough love that a parent must sometimes show to their kids. You showed me how to make those hard choices as a parent. I tell Jonathan stories all the time of my escapades and how you were always there with lesson in hand. Love was always present. Even if the punishment was harsh, it always fit the crime. I haven't always been able to follow through so well Daddy, but I keep trying, just like you taught me to. Thank you for helping me to love and not spoil my children.
Thank you for being the best Dad. I know that I was not always easy to love. Thank you for never giving up on me, for always seeing the very best in me. Mom says all the time that even though your gone, the lessons and love you gave are still here, in the hearts and minds of your children and grandchildren. I know that's true Daddy. I see it all the time. We are all pieces of a great big puzzle. When you put us all together, we have you at the center of our family.
It was the greatest privilege to be your daughter, an honor I will carry into eternity one day. Say hello to my two little ones for me Daddy. Hold them tight for me until I can get there to meet them. And if Courtney beats me there, promise me you'll be right there next to Jesus when she storms those gates. Dance with her like you used to dance with me, laugh and run. Keep her busy until I get there OK.
Pray for me Daddy as I pray for you everyday. Sometimes life is so very hard and I long to see your smiling face, for you to tell me every things going to be OK. Then I hear you speak to my heart and say "Never give up, never quit. God is with you and so am I. "
I love you now and forever. I hope to make you proud each and everyday
of my life. Put in a good word for me with the Big Guy. I need all the help
I can get.
Your Grateful Daughter,
Mary Beth
*The song playing in the video is "Prayer for Home" by Fernando Ortega
Tomorrow marks the eighth anniversary of my fathers death. I wanted to re-post the tribute I wrote last year. He was a remarkable man and I miss him more everyday. Please send up a prayer for all our fallen soldiers and sailors this weekend and for those they left behind. The grief never leaves, but the weight of it lessens with time. Happy Memorial Day! Mary ********************We will Never Forget You Daddy! (originally posted May 24, 2008) "Never Quit, Never give up and never lose your faith. It's the one reason you walk this earth. Because God chose this time for you. So make the most of it" William J Green, Jr. (1938 - 2001)
This was my fathers motto, his personal mission statement. It is a legacy that I hope I have passed on to my children, one of unwavering faith, courage and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.
On May 24, 2001, God brought my father home to Him. I will never forget that day as long as I live. There are parts of it that play in my head sometimes in slow motion. Watching my mother hold his hand with her rosary wrapped around it. The whispering with the nurses and doctors who tried valiantly to prepare my family for an outcome we weren't ready to face. I remember whispering in his ear the name of each of his children and grandchildren and how we loved him so much, but that God needed him home and that was OK. Tears trickled down his face, for he could no longer talk, but he knew he was loved. I remember praying the prayer to St. Joseph, who was his namesake and to whom he had an unfailing devotion. I remember his last breath and watching my mother hold him and pray his soul to God with the healing words of Our Lady's Rosary. My Dad LOVED Our Blessed lady. Whenever I was troubled or confused, he would say "Have you asked Mother Mary about it. Trust her, she will never fail you." He learned this devotion from his own parents and passed it on to his children. We now pass it on to the next generation. For nine years my father fought against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. His was a very rare form that he contracted through exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. On this Memorial Day weekend, I feel called to tell a little of his extraordinary story. My father loved this country. He proudly served during the Vietnam War (yes, I will call it a war) upon the USS Higby stationed in Japan. This is where he met and married my mother in 1965. When this newly married couple came home from Japan, they settled in Maryland and went on to raise eight children, six boys and two girls. My father practiced law and was a businessman for 30 years and loved every minute of it. I remember him at every football, soccer and basketball game any of us ever played. I remember the whistles at the school band concerts, when it all sounded like screeching. I also remember his strength, especially the strength of his hands.
He had big hands, workers hands. They were callused and worn, but so tender when holding a newborn or a young child's hand. I will never forget walking down the aisle at my wedding, with my fathers hands in mine, trying to hold them steady. His reassuring words that everything was going to be OK once I took Jerry's hands. I remember those hands holding Courtney's while she underwent yet another spinal tap or other medical test or how they would squeeze my shoulder during Mass, giving me comfort that God was in control and to let go. I miss his hands...
In 1992, when I was seven months pregnant with Courtney, I got a call one evening from my dad. He needed to tell me something and I had to stay calm. He didn't want anything to happen to the baby. He had cancer. My father was an Irishman through and through and he wasn't going anywhere without a fight. So the family circled the wagons and he and my mother began the long war against this insidious decease.
We watched them live their marriage vows of "in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad" each and every day. We prayed for a miracle and received so many, but not the one of our hearts. We trusted that God knew what was needed even we we did not and He was there providing it every step of the way. During this time, Courtney was diagnosed with a seizure disorder and we battled each day for her life to be the best it could be. My father went through so much as did his granddaughter. They shared many an afternoon, curled up with each other in my Dad easy chair, seeking comfort from the pain. Neither one of them ever complained. My father was not a perfect man, but he was a man of faith and action. He learned from his mistakes and never gave up in anything he felt he was called to do. He smiled through so much pain, and always had a joke ready. He loved God, his wife and his children. He loved his country and today I prayed at his grave site in Arlington National Cemetery. I prayed that he was resting in the bosom of Our Lord. I prayed that his legacy of faith and perseverance stayed strong in my heart and the hearts of my children.
I love you Daddy and oh how I miss you. I promise to never quit, never give up and never lose my faith, for that is all that truly matters. Thank you for teaching me so well. I will never forget!
May God bless those men and women who freely serve this great nation and their families who stand with them! Happy Memorial Day and God Bless America! Love, Mary (a most grateful daughter)
This weeks Barefoot Bloggers recipe comes from Eva of I'm Boring. I make this recipe all the time. These are my "go to" brownies. No mix required. They always turn out moist and delicious. Of course you really can't go wrong with Ina's recipes which is why I love her so much.
Add-ins are welcome. I have made them with white chocolate chips and dried cherries and Heath Bars chopped on top. You name it, I have probably tried it. I have to say though, the best is with walnuts and served with a scoop of of ice cream on top. I will post a picture as soon as they are out of the oven.
Bon Appetite!
Mary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Outrageous Brownies Copyright 1999, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. This was adapted from a recipe for chocolate globs in the Soho Charcuterie Cookbook. Serves: 20 large brownies Ingredients 1 pound unsalted butter 1 pound plus 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips, divided 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate 6 extra-large eggs 3 tablespoons instant coffee powder 2 tablespoons real vanilla extract 2 1/4 cups sugar 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided (1 cup for batter and 1/4 cup in the chips and nuts) 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon kosher salt 3 cups diced walnut pieces Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 13 by 18 by 1 1/2-inch sheet pan.
Melt together the butter, 1 pound chocolate chips, and unsweetened chocolate on top of a double boiler. Cool slightly. Stir together the eggs, instant coffee, vanilla and sugar. Stir in the warm chocolate mixture and cool to room temperature.
Stir together 1 cup of the flour, baking powder and salt. Add to cooled chocolate mixture. Toss the walnuts and 12 ounces of chocolate chips with 1/4 cup flour to coat. Then add to the chocolate batter. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until tester just comes out clean. Halfway through the baking, rap the pan against the oven shelf to allow air to escape from between the pan and the brownie dough. Do not over-bake! Cool thoroughly, refrigerate well and cut into squares.
Please take a moment and check out Courtney's Style Blog at Seventeen Magazine. The advice is hip and fresh. She has a great sense of style and a unique ability to convey the modesty message while still wearing current pieces from the runways of New York and Paris. She is also a great bargain hunter making it possible for every teen to achieve the "modern look" no matter what the price point.
"Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.
You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.
This I command you, that you love one another."
John 15: 9-17
Today's second reading is one of my favorite scripture passages of all time. We are given the commandment to love one another, even if it means we must lay down our lives for our friend. The first thing that comes to my mind of course is the sacrificial love of Jesus on the cross. He layed down his life for me. He gave His all to save my soul, to repair the ravages of my sins. There is NO GREATER LOVE THAN THIS.
The second image that comes to my mind is the one of Mary, Our Blessed Mother reaching for her Son while He was carrying the cross. She is there always present, always by His side quietly supporting and loving Him through every trial and tribulation. We as mothers are called to do the same. We are called to lay down our lives for our husbands and children. We must pray for them, walk with them through valleys and be a support as they climb yet another mountain in their life. A mother's love is to be constant, remembering all the while that LOVE = SACRIFICE.
Where does the strength to do this come from? By abiding in God's love. The Websters definition ofabide is to wait for, await, to endure without yielding, withstand, to bear patiently, tolerate, to accept without objection, to remain stable or fixed in a state, to continue in a place. This is everything a mother is called to do in life for/with her spouse and children. If we abide in God's love than we will never stray. He will give us the wisdom, strength , fortitude and perseverance we need to accomplish our daily vocation and be joyful in the journey.
Finally, I imagine loving my extended family and community. Christ tells us that HE chose us, not the other way around. HE chose us to go out in the world and spread the message of the gospel. To love each soul as if they were the crucified Christ. Sometimes this is easy. But many times it can be really difficult, even within our own families. Who is it that you struggle to love, unconditionally? Offer a rosary for that person, pray one for the conversion of your own heart. Remember that God works through all things, always to His glory and the for the good of us all.
I came away from Mass this morning having recommitted myself to love unconditionally those who God has given me to care for. I must remember to do this each and every day with whatever the task is at hand. To seek joy and contentment wherever He takes me for He loves me. He chose me for this purpose, now I must choose to walk with Him each day. For with Him, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.
So love someone today that's hard to love. Put a smile on God's face by doing so. You might be surprised that by the end of the day, there's a smile on yours as well.
Last night was date night with my hubby and it was my turn to pick what we would do. We actually had a sitter for Courtney and Jonathan was hangin with his cousins, so off we went...to a gourmet grocery store...for a book signing. Yes, you read that right. A book signing with two of my favorite Food Network talent, Pat and Gina Neely. They are all about BBQ Pork and good 'ol southern cookin. Let me tell you that my guy has a real weak spot for all of those. He embodies the phrase "The way to a man's heart, is through his stomach."
Pat and Gina (they told us to call them that!) were very gracious and kind and so funny. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Hey, if there was an opportunity for me to acquire more knowledge in the world of BBQ Pork, than baby, I was ready for class. So we used the money we would have spent on a movie and bought their cookbook.
The Neely's first cookbook "Down Home with the Neelys: A Southern Family Cookbook" is chock full of fabulous southern cuisine that makes my mouth water even thinking about it. I think the first recipe I will try is Cheesy Corkscrews with Crunchy Bacon Topping on page 117. Yummo! Don't worry, I'll take pictures.
What a great date night! It is one that will benefit our family for many dinners to come.
Blessings,
Mary
Jerry and me with the fabulous Neely's. We were laughing so hard you can hardly see me eyes. Too much fun. Lovely people! Awesome BBQ!
I could listen to this all day long...it just makes me want to dance...or float across the ice and spin...neither of which I do well...at all. Ohh to dream a little girls dreams once again.
This weeks Barefoot Bloggers recipe comes from Kate @ Warm Olive and Cool Cocktails ( I just love the name of her blog, don't you!). This was a tuna salad with an Asian twist. It was FABULOUS!! I love tuna in any form. From a can, in a steak or sashimi style. This recipe did not disappoint. I will warn you though, it was very pricey (here in NO. VA that is). I discussed it with hubby before I dropped the $40 on the tuna steaks. This was a welcome surprise to me since he does not relent on the budget very often. My love is very frugal for which I am very grateful. So I had to make sure I didn't mess anything up...this was precious meat.
I grilled the steaks for exactly 2 minutes (my husband likes his fish a little more done than I do) on either side. I omitted the wasabi powder since I knew I could not handle the heat and added sesame seeds. Then I served it on a stupendous veggie salad filled with lovely jewels from the farmers market. Can you say DeeeLish!! So very yummy. The creamy avocado with the salty soy mixed with the perfectly grilled tuna, oh my goodness!!! So Good!! My dear Ina, where do you come up with the inspiration for such loveliness? It is a gift...
Ingredients 2 pounds very fresh tuna steak, cut 1-inch thick 4 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus extra for sprinkling 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black, plus extra for sprinkling 2 limes, zest grated 1 teaspoon wasabi powder 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (3 limes) 2 teaspoons soy sauce 10 dashes hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco) 1 to 2 ripe Hass avocados, medium diced 1/4 cup minced scallions, white and green parts (2 scallions) 1/4 cup red onion, small diced Directions Brush the tuna steaks with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the tuna steaks in a very hot saute pan and cook for only 1 minute on each side. Set aside on a platter.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, lime zest, wasabi, lime juice, soy sauce and hot sauce. Add the avocados to the vinaigrette.
Cut the tuna in chunks and place it in a large bowl. Add the scallions and red onion and mix well. Pour the vinaigrette mixture over the tuna and carefully mix.
Kayleigh went home to be with Jesus on Monday, May 11. Please continue to keep her family in your prayers. May God be with them and bring them peace. The following is a letter her parents wrote to their precious daughter:
"Kayleigh, we know our life on earth is just a spec of time compared to the life we have in eternity with you and our Lord. We look forward to the day that we can pick you up and swing you around, dancing, singing and worshipping together. I am sure that your journey to Heaven was greeted with many open arms.
We are so very proud of you for everything you have done in such a short period of time. You've showed us what strength truly is, what determination truly is and what love truly is. There will not be a day that passes that we won't look at your photos and remember how awesome you felt in our arms. Your soft skin that brushes our lips and your tiny little hands that grip our fingers for comfort will always be missed.
We will never get to tuck you in your own bed at night and we will never get to pick you up when you fall. We will never get to hold your hand while you cross the street and I will never get to walk you down the aisle, but please know that your Mommy and I are so blessed that God gifted us with your love, even if it was only for a very short period of time. You will always be in our hearts and we can't wait until we meet again. We love you endlessly and we already miss you so very much! Goodbye Sweetheart...for now."
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon her.
May Kayleigh's soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
In an effort to breathe a little life back into dinner hour here at Chez Lenaburg, I reached out to one of my favorite rescources...SavingDinner.com. Leanne and her team never disappoint. Everyone LOVED this pork chops. They had a little kick to them which was a nice change of pace for us. Hubby said it was medium on the heat scale for him. For me it leaned toward moderate. But then I am a big wuss when it comes to spicy things. I served it with brown rice and green beans. Everyone left the table satisfied and happy. This is one for the repeat recipe file.
Bon Appetite!
Mary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
San Antonio Pork Chops recipe by Leanne Ely @ Saving Dinner.com
6 pork chops 16 oz canned tomato puree 1 TBSP Tabasco sauce I jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped 1 TBSP red pepper flakes 1 TBSP sage salt and pepper to taste 1 1/2 onions, slice 1 bell pepper, seeded, deribbed and sliced 1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil
Instructions: In a skillet over medium heat, add oil and brown pork chops on each side. Remove chops from skillet and saute onions and peppers. Combine remaining ingredients together in a separate bowl.
Return pork chops to skillet and pout tomato mixture over the chops. Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes or until chops and juices run clear.
"I can do all things through Him who gives me strength"
Phil 4:13
Dear Friends,
Please hit your knees today for the sweet and wonderful Elizabeth DeHority. She will be undergoing a very serious and extensive surgery today. I have had Elizabeth's prayer button on my blog for many months now always reminding me about the frailty of life. I am inspired and awestruck by her strength and perseverance fighting the good fight. Please pray for the doctors to be successful and for Elizabeth's complete healing. You can read more about her cancer journey here.
Elizabeth, be assured of my prayers and those of so many others. May God be with you.
I arose this morning to the birds singing and the sun gently caressing the horizon. There was a slight breeze in the trees that I noticed through the kitchen window as I went about my early morning routine in the still and quiet house. Tea brewing and breakfast started, I heard my sweet beautiful daughter start her morning humming, letting me know that my quiet time was done for the day. It's the best sound that my ears will ever hear, other than her laughter of course. It means I have been graced with another day filled with miracles and surprises. God is good.
As I lean over her side rail to give her kisses and good morning hugs, my husband comes to stand beside me, puts his arm around me and whispers "Happy Mother's Day". I lean in to enjoy his warm embrace. I am so indebted to this man, the one God chose for me. Without him, I would not be celebrating this day as a mother. My heart is overflowing. Two of the most important people in my world are with me and I am so grateful for this moment. God is good.
As I care for Courtney and complete her morning routine, hubby takes over the last bits and I finish getting ready for Mass. The lumbering sounds of a gentle giant descend from above as he gallops down the stairs that have carried him to me each morning for the last ten years. How I have missed that sound this past year. Time does not stand still for any of us. My son leaps off the last step with great dramatic flair with his arms outstretched he announces "Happy Mother's Day! I am so glad you said yes to God and had me. You know your life would not be nearly as fun or exciting without me!". He hugs me like the bear of a man he is becoming and tells me quietly he loves me. He is right. My life would be downright boring without this very unique and special soul in it. God is good.
After rejoicing in the glory of the Eucharist during Mass, I enjoyed seeing new friends and old, hugging all the First Communicants and newly baptised little ones God has blessed my world with. Then we came home to wait for a very special lady. The one who said yes to God and had me almost 42 years ago. The one who walked with me through all the joy, pain, sorrow, confusion and insanity that defined my childhood and adolescence. This woman whom I have tried to emulate my whole adult life. A woman I am proud to call my dearest friend even though from the age of 13-17 I thought she was just trying to ruin my life. She arrives, hugs are dispensed and off we go together three generational branches of one vine. God is good.
I watch as my mother pushes my daughters wheelchair and my son walks beside her chatting about the ups and downs of college life. "How did you do it Grandma? Find time to get everything done?" I listen quietly as my mother talks about her own struggles and encourages her grandson in his journey. "It's a marathon, not a race," she says. "One day at a time, one prayer at a time." I pray he will listen and take to heart all she will say. I know for a fact it's golden advice. God is good.
I watch my mother gently place Courtney's sun hat back on her head time and time again during our walk. Laughing and smiling reminding her granddaughter that she is more persistent and stubborn than her mother. I shake my head and concur, praising God each step of the way for that personality that refuses to give up, even in the face of impending suffering and inevitable death. I watch the two most precious woman in my life share a moment in time that will not come again and a tear slips down my face. God is good.
After sharing an outrageously delicious meal, we load up with iced coffees for the return walk home. The sun high in the sky is a wonder to behold. The light of Christ shining down on each of us as we stroll slowly enjoying every last breeze and sweet birdsong. I cannot help but smile, my heart singing for joy over how my special day has gone. Not one gift exchanged, just precious time spent with those that I love so very much. How could I ask for anything more? God is so very good!
As my wonderful mother prepares to leave, she slips me a card. I open it and read the following words:
*For My Daughter
When I look at you today,
I see what a wonderful mother
you are...
I see the strong
and independent woman
who has grown
from the brave little girl...
I see the same curiosity
that was in your eyes
the day you were born...
I see the wisdom
that is all your own...
I see the daughter
I've known forever
and have yet to fully know...
I see one of the greatest joys of my life...
Happy Mother's Day My Precious Daughter.
With tears streaming down my face I hug this woman who I call mother. I am blessed beyond measure. God is too good to me for I am not worthy to be loved in such a manner. However, I am grateful each and every day that My Lord disagrees with me! I hope that your Mother's Day was filled with joy, laughter and love. Maybe even a little chocolate too!
Blessings,
Mary
*Verses from a Carlton Greeting Card, Author Unknown
