a place for everyone to play...

We are very blessed here in Northern Virginia with a fantastic public parks system. One of our very favorite places to take Miss Courtney is Clemijontri Park which is an "all access" park where everyone can play together no matter what their abilities. This afternoon we had an unexpected opportunity to indulge Courtney is one of her favorite activities. Swinging!

The weather was spectacular, not too hot or humid. The sun was shining and Court was in a great mood. That is until we put on her hat. Then she spent the next hour trying to lose the hat. The child HATES anything on her head even if it's placed their for her own benefit. I think we spent more time picking up the hat and putting it back on her head than we did swinging. Oh well. This young lass has a mind of her own and she will let you know when enough is enough.

It was a lovely visit to the park. I look forward to many more as the summer progresses. Now all I need is the right hat that she can't toss off. The search is on!

Courtney's favorite sitting position on a swing! 
She is swinging her head back and forth to get the hat off. 

Hats off and the laughter shall commence. Happy girls!

This is CLASSIC Courtney. The tilt of the head, mouth open squawking at me. 
"I will NOT open my eyes for you until you take OFF this ridiculous hat!" 

streams...

Sunday night and I am curled up on the sofa with Courtney...She smells like a citrus bowl with freshly washed hair and a huge smile on her face...HGTV is on and we are watching Design Star...I think I want to paint to living room something in the yellow family...I am feeling inspired to try something different...ummm...I don't think purple walls will ever make their way into my home...do these people NOT get the definition of UGLY!...maybe I will hold off on the bold color choices...Courtney is trying to help me type...Jonathan needs clean underwear for tomorrow...instructions have been given on where the washing machine is located in the house...I have proof he knows how to use it...he used it last week to wash jeans to meet his "friend" at the movies...husband wants to know what's for dinner TOMORROW night...seriously...it's my day of rest people...I just fed you...I'll decide that in the a.m...now has brought his day timer into the living room to "compare" calenders for the week...if i just keep typing maybe he will go away and I can still pretend it's SUNDAY my day of rest...he's not going away...sigh...so I must say good night...see you tomorrow!

learning a new dance...

"A time to weep and a time to laugh; 

A time to mourn and a time to dance."

Ecclesiastes 3:4

This past week has been very strange for me emotionally. I have been all over the place and finally, last night, I figured out why.

There are times as Courtney's mother that I really feel the impact that she is not a typical young lady. I have moments where I am consumed by the "What if's?"

What if Court could see? 
What if Court were a typical 17 year old? 
What if Court didn't have seizures? What would she be able to do? 


I have just been pounded with these questions all week. Why now? Well, if Miss Court had been a typical teenager, in the last month she would have gone to her senior prom, graduated from high school and would be on her way to college in the fall. If she were typical.

Well, there is nothing typical about my lovely daughter. Normally that doesn't bother me. She is such a joy, a true gift to our family. I do know that, I do.

For some reason, last night it just landed on my heart that this was not how I thought things would be. I should be telling her that her skirt is too short or that her attitude needs adjustment. Instead I am blending food and making adaptable clothing for someone in a wheelchair. We should be talking about boys and dreams for her future but she doesn't talk.

Oh, what I would give to hear her say "Momma" just once.

So last night the house was quiet. The boys were gone and Court was in bed and I found myself totally overwhelmed by sadness. The was such heaviness in my heart and I felt the dam break. I finally just let the tears come and I wrote and wrote and wrote every emotion, every fear, every desire and dream I have ever had about my daughter in my journal. It was an ugly cry and I was so glad that I could do it alone. Jerry would have felt the need to comfort and I just needed to let it all go.

As I wrote, I prayed. I prayed for peace of mind and heart. I just let go and gave all my disappointments over to Him. I blew my nose about 17 million times and  then I went into Court's room and just stared down at her. I don't even know how long I was standing there staring down at this beautiful little lady. Finally I crawled into bed with her and pulled her into my arms.

I began to pray once more thanking Him for this sweet girl I have the privilege of mothering. She is a miracle and I love this girl whether she can talk to me or not. When I ran out of prayers I began to sing her song "You are My Sunshine", over and over again.

She stirred and I stopped singing. Then she smiled in her sleep. That was all my mothers heart needed.

The seasons of life ebb and flow. There is a time of weeping and mourning for what I though should have been and then there is a time to laugh and learn this new dance. I might trip over my feet and land on my butt from time to time but I will keep dancing as long as my beautiful daughter will dance with me.

Blessing and Grace,
Mary

small successes (vol.41)...

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

Danielle Bean @ Faith and Family LIVE!

1.

It's HOT here in the mid-Atlantic. The humidity is high and the heat index hit 100 the other day. Heat and the menopausal woman are NOT the best combo in this house to say the least!

My success...I didn't complain (that particular day anyway LOL!) and I made a lovely quinoa salad with veggies that hit the spot for something cool and refreshing for dinner that met the dietary needs the family.

2. 

I have read the daily readings 3 out 4 days this week. I didn't realize how far I had fallen in my daily prayer and meditation time until I open my book and saw that it had been three WEEKS since I had read the scriptures. Not good! No wonder things have been so challenging lately. Yikes!

3. 

Summer vacation officially begins today in my house and I realized this morning that I don't really have a plan yet. Just a huge to do list for the next 10 weeks. No success here other than the recognition that I need a new daily plan and fast. Maybe that will be a success next week. I can hope and pray!

Head on over to FaithandFamilyLIVE! to read more successes. Let's encourage and support one another!

Blessings and Grace.

Mary

half-pint house handmade...

This fall I will be attending The Relevant Conference. I am really looking forward to learning more about blogging as well as building community. One of my fellow attendees is heading north as well and looking for some assistance. The lovely Megan@Half-Pint House has a fabulous little shop called Half-Pint House Homemade where she sells all types of fabulous bags and other accessories that she creates. She has a fabulous eye for color and her fabric stash is one for the record books. Head on over to Megan's and shop 'til you drop! 


Good Luck Megan! Looking forward to meeting you at The Relevant Conference!


Blessings, 
Mary

love and balance...

Thanks to Betty Beguiles and Joe Cater@First Things for posting this beautiful piece on Coach Wooden. The man continues to teach and inspire even though he passed away earlier this month. So much wisdom in what he shares. So much love...

happy father's day dad...

This was taken this morning after another awesome Dad breakfast!

Hey,
This is Jonathan and I have high jacked my Mom's blog today. She's kinda freakin out right now because I figured out the password so I need to finish this before she kicks me off. I love to see her sweat! Usually it's the other way around. Ha!

I just wanted to say a few things about my Dad. He's a pretty cool dude if not a little freakishly omnipotent sometimes. My favorite quote is "Son, I never ask a question I don't already know the answer too, so just be a man and be honest." Yup, that one gets me into a LOT of trouble. So here are the top five things I love about my Dad:

5. 

His Bodacious Cooking Skills...DUDE!

While his total skills are far inferior to my Mom’s, Dad shines when grilling or making breakfast. You have not lived until you have had this man’s biscuits and gravy...with a little bacon on the side of course!

4. 

My Dad is a Geek!

This man has watched every original Star Trek episode from the 1960's and memorized most of the lines. He has also continued his Trekkie obsession with every other show made by Gene Roddenberry. Mom's OK with it. She says he looks just like Patrick Stewart. "He's hot!" she says. Um, that's just gross but whatever.

He LOVES history! I mean almost as much as BACON! He reads stuff that make me go to sleep just reading the summary on the back. He loves political thrillers, alternate histories, strategy books, war stories and even murder mysteries and anything EVER written on the Civil War. I mean ANYTHING! 

I have become a sci-fi buff because of him. My mother cringes every time we say "guy movie night" because there will most likely be loud explosions and planetary distress not to mention really terrible one liners she cannot escape. She grabs my sister and they hide in her room surrounded by bonnet movies. Those things make me want to toss a sidewalk pizza! 

3. 

Caring for my sister

My Mom and Dad are devoted to my severely disabled sister Courtney. But watching my dad take care of her, it’s a whole other story. He shows a love and compassion for her that I hope to one day be able to show my own children if God so blesses me with them. 

He loves without thought to himself or his own needs. He reads to her, sings to her and laughs with her. I learned all my best Dr. Seuss voices from him. It doesn't matter that she can't say I love you back. Dad knows how much she loves him. You see it with each smile she gives him. 

2. 

All the Things He has Taught Me

I’m 20 years old, and in all that time, the most important things in life, I have learned from him. Fear of God, dependence on prayer, perseverance, fortitude, love of history and its importance and a true devotion to bacon. 

My mom once mentioned a book that dad read about being a better man and father for God. It was called “Velvet and Steel”. These are two words that perfectly describe him as a person. Strong as steel, but a heart soft as velvet. Really, what else is there to say? I don’t wanna sound presumptuous, but if this guy doesn’t get into Heaven, then God has really changed his entrance requirements. 

1. 

He loves my Mom more than Bacon!

My dad considers himself something of a Casanova. The man has moves! He can make my mother stop yelling and start laughing in less than 30 seconds. It's the MOST amazing thing to watch. He loves her and she loves him right back. They do their best to make me gag on a daily basis with all that smoochin! I mean, really? 

My mother has greeted my Dad at the door when he gets home from work everyday since I can remember. His face lights up when he sees her and he gets this really goofy grin that's just a bit off if you ask me. I guess it works though. They have been married for 22 years and still really like each other. I want that one day. 

Their is so much more I could say about my Dad but I don't want him to get a big head or anything. Besides the burgers are done and it's time to celebrate!

 Happy Father's Day Dad. 

I love you!

Your most favorite son (even though I am your only one)

Jonathan

fabulous father's day read...

Please head over to my dear friend Marques blog The Q Continuum for an incredible post on Father's Day. It will make you stop and ponder "Am I allowing my husband to be who he is called to be?".

"Where Have All The Fathers Gone?"

@ The Q Continuum

What say you? I know it's got me thinking...

Happy Father's Day,

Mary

will i love it?

...we will wait and see...

small successes (vol.40)...

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

Danielle Bean @ Faith and Family LIVE!

1.

Stayed calm when Court lost another three pounds this week for no known reason and made a decision. I am happy with it. Hubby is happy with it. We will march on.

My success - none - it was all GOD!

2.

I actually survived my first Zumba class without passing out. I am totally fine with the fact that the sixty-two year old grandmother in front of me shook her tail feather like a twenty year old while I looked like a drunk elephant with four left feet.

Nope. I'm not bitter. Not.at.all.

It also didn't bother me that she was smiling like she won the lottery at the end of class and wasn't winded at all. I was still sweating an hour later and finally got my breath back about an hour after that.

Again, not bitter at all.

My success...I survived and lived to tell the tale!

3.

The family (except Courtney) began the South Beach Diet together this week so that we could encourage each other to eat better and lose some weight. We have done pretty well in the last four days. I had no idea how many carbs we were eating everyday until I had to fix something different.

My success is that I have had something prepared and available for meals and especially snacks all week. I pray I can continue and we can find some success together becoming a healthier family.

Head on over to FaithandFamilyLIVE! to read more successes. Let's encourage and support one another!

Blessings and Grace.
Mary

one more week...three more pounds...

The last three weeks for Courtney have looked a little like this:

Week 1 - three pounds lost, seizures increase to three a day.

Week 2 - three pounds gained back, seizures decrease to one every evening around 7 p.m.

Week 3 - three pounds lost, seizures increase to two a day with at least one where she begins to turn blue usually in the evening.

I told the doc this afternoon that I was done with weighing her every week. It's just too darn stressful. From now on we are going to weigh every other week as long as she stays above 104 pounds.

She is happy, alert and laughing in between those horrific seizures. She looks healthy as you can see above. It's wonderful to see. She is no longer refusing food and is happily eating everything we give her.

So as we continue to seek answers, our beautiful daughter soldiers on bravely relying on her Momma, Daddy and big brother to remain strong and faithful by her side holding her as God holds us.

...and so we shall...always and forever Courtney!

Mary

tasty tuesday...shrimp tacos w/cilantro lime sour cream

Tasty Tuesday has arrived once again. Join me over at City Wife, Country Life for some fabulous recipes. Check out other fun recipes over at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam as well.

These tasty little gems are perfect for hot summer days when the last thing you want is a long drawn out dinner prep. It comes together in under 20 minutes. The sauce is light and will set your taste buds to dancing. For extra crunch, I add the Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream to a bag of broccoli slaw from the store and toss. It makes a delicious bed for the shrimp. You can use any kind of wrap you'd prefer. Be creative...it's all good here in the kitchen!

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

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

Roasted Shrimp

recipe adapted from Ina Garten

Ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Place the shrimp on a sheet pan and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Pour the olive oil and juice over the shrimp, and roast in the oven for 5 to 6 minutes in a single layer.

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

Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream

adapted from all recipes.com

Ingredients:

1/4 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 teaspoon cumin

juice and zest from one lime

salt to taste

Stir all ingredients together in a bowl.

the summer i met nancy drew...

When I was in grade school I was in the "slow" reading circle. I had a very difficult time sounding out words and comprehending their meaning. My grades reflected my struggle. I loved it when the teacher read aloud because I remembered all the details and could be a part of the conversation. There were no reading specialists back then and my Mom knew there was something wrong so she asked the teachers what she could do to help me with my reading comprehension. Eventually she purchased the SRA Reading Program and things began to improve.

Every summer morning I and two of my younger brothers would sit at the kitchen table and read the little stories then answer the comprehension questions. It was pure torture but necessary if I wanted to keep up in school. I was so mad that I "had" to do this special work. It made me feel even more incompetent.

As a means of keeping her sanity, my Mom signed us up for the summer reading program at the local library. Back then if you read 15 or more books you would get a certificate for one ice cream cone from Highs convenience store which was like the 7-11 of my neighborhood. I had been working hard at my SRA work so the task did not seem completely overwhelming to me. Then I met the librarian who explained the "rules". You had to read "age-appropriate books". I had just finished the third grade which meant that I could no longer count picture books, only chapter books would count. I was NOT happy!

My older brother took great delight in my hesitation as big brothers sometimes do. He would tease me telling me that I was such a baby for still reading Curious George books. I would kick him and Mom would have to intervene. Finally after about the seventh millionth kick, my mother simply looked at me and said:

"So, just prove him wrong."

Huh. I had never thought of that. That was all the motivation I needed. No boy was going to beat me, especially one of dumb brothers. (I love them now. We kind of grew into it).

So during the next visit to the library I tentatively asked for some help. The librarian smiled at me and asked what I like to read. I told her "Curious George, Toad and Frog and Mr. Small".

"You like adventure and action." she said

I shrugged my shoulders and followed her into the stacks. She pulled out one book after another discussing the storyline. There were a few that intrigued me but for the most part I was unimpressed. I passed by my older brother sitting at one of the tables and saw that he was reading something called The Hardy Boys. Well if he could read it so could I. I inquired about them and the librarian smiled once more and said those book are for boys.

"What you want is Nancy Drew."

Nancy who? I didn't have a clue but I followed her anyway. The books had nice covers but sooo many words. How was I supposed to finish one book let alone 15!

When I read with the first book The Secret of the Old Clock Tower I had to look up so many words because I was having a hard time understanding it. I remember crying in my room one afternoon and my Mom coming in to find me with tears streaming down my face and the dictionary in my lap. She sat down next to me and asked gently what the problem was. I told her I was just stupid. In her strong motherly voice she admonished me for using such language and told me I was one the brightest girls she knew. I told her she had to say that she was my mother.

She laughed and said "Have I ever lied to you?"

The very thought of my mother lying was inconceivable to me. "No" was all I said with my head hanging low, wiping away my tears with the back of my hand.

"Just think. When you get back to school how many more words you will understand compared to the other students. You'll be on the honor roll before you know it."

Yea right I thought but I didn't let it stop me. I was going to beat my brother no matter what it took.

With each book I had to look up fewer and fewer words which meant I was reading faster and understanding more. I was drawn into mystery after mystery wondering if Nancy was going to be able to solve it before something dastardly would happen to her in the little town of River Heights. She had fabulous friends starting with Helen Corning and then cousins Bess Marvin and George Fayne. Her handsome boyfriend Ned Nickerson was always there in the nick of time. So much more happened in her hometown compared to where I lived!

That summer I read ALL 35 Nancy Drew books and then went on to read all 58 Hardy Boys books just to let my brother know there wasn't anything he did that I couldn't do better. We laugh about it now but it started a lifelong love affair with the genre for both of us.

And yes, I beat my older brother by some 20 books. It was a beautiful day when I walked into Highs and ordered my double scoop mint chocolate chip ice cream cone. Mom paid for the extra scoop because I had not given up even though at times I wanted to burn the books because I was so frustrated.

Later that year, I moved on to , Anne of Green Gables, Little Woman and the infamous Sweet Valley High series which I consider to be the first romance novel I ever read. I have not stopped reading since. I still have to look things up occasionally but now the very act brings a smile to my face as I think of how it all began.

When did you fall in love with reading? What was your favorite book growing up?

Leave a comment and let's celebrate the joy of reading!

Blessings,
Mary

i heart cooking clubs ~ herbed salmon

 This weeks I Heart Cooking Clubs challenge was another combo for me. Last weeks theme was the Herb Garden asking us to use recipes that featured herbs. This week we are in Potluck Paradise which is basically "make whatever your heart desires week". Since I was yet again late to the party last week (as in so late I missed it!) I thought I would combine the two themes.

So after many hours of flipping through cookbook after cookbook, I found Herb-Rubbed Salmon. I have discovered that Bittman uses rosemary with hints of citrus in many of his recipes. I had never tried rosemary or fennel seeds on fish before so I thought "Why not. Let's give it a whirl." I chopped fresh herbs, pounded the fennel seeds and used my micro-plane for the orange zest. The aroma was intoxicating. I happily sprinkled the herb mixture on the fish and set in in the fridge to marinate away for 24 hours.

The next evening, I fired up the stove and laid the fragrant salmon upon a drizzle of olive oil being rewarded with the sizzle of love. Ten minutes later it was dinner time. I waited to see what my two guys would say and both were pleasantly surprised with the flavor combination. I must be completely honest and say that it wasn't my favorite. The rosemary smelled so wonderful while I was preparing the fish but pretty much ran over the other spices. I think next time I will prepare it with chicken or beef.

Just keeping it real here In The Kitchen!

Head on over to I Heart cooking Clubs and see what's sizzlin in kitchens around the world. Be inspired to create something new for your family!

Celebrate the Feast!
Mary

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

I served it with Mediterranean Cous Cous and Italian White Bean Salad both served at room temperature. 

Herb-Rubbed Salmon 

found in "Mark Bittman's Quick and easy Recipes From the New York Times"

Ingredients:

Four 6-ounce skinned salmon fillets

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon fennel seeds

1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon minced orange zest

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Directions:

1. Season the fillets on both sides with salt and pepper to taste. Grind the fennel seeds coarsely in a coffee or spice grinder, and mix them with the rosemary and orange zest. Press this mixture into the top (nonskin side) of each fillet. Let sit, refrigerated and covered, for up to 24 hours.

2. When you're ready to cook, preheat the oven to 450°F. Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 3 or 4 minutes. Add the oil or butter and, when it shimmers, place the fillets, coated side down, in the pan. Cook about 1 minute, or until the spice mixture forms a nicely browned crust.

3. Turn the fillets and cook about a minute more, then transfer to the oven. Cook about 4 minutes for rare salmon, 5 to 6 minutes for medium-rare, and 8 minutes for well done.

small successes (vol.39)...

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

Danielle Bean @ Faith and Family LIVE!

1.
I started a six weeks course on theology with several members of the youth ministry core team at my parish. Even though I am no longer involved with the day to day happenings with the youth, I still cook for the group a few times a year and was invited to take part. Did I ever tell you that I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer and situations like these intimidate the heck out of me?

You would be proud of me though because I jumped in and didn't think about it too long. We are going through Theology for Beginners by Frank Sheed. The idea came from team members seeking to strengthen their own knowledge about church teachings to be able to share the same perspective when dealing with the youth and all of their questions.

I appreciate these efforts because my own catechises was really weak. Sunflowers and rainbows do not meet the need of today's world when it comes to God and the really challenging questions about life. After the first meeting I feel like my brain is on injured reserve but I know that the muscle will strengthen as we soldier on. I am so outside my comfort zone but I guess that's where God wants me for now.

2.
I have begun to make a plan to re-paint the house one room at a time. I have started an inspiration board to help me with the planning. My husband is afraid. Very, very afraid.
LOL!

3.
I have turned back to Our Lady for some daily quiet time after falling out of the habit of saying the rosary. Such a peaceful prayer and incredibly fruitful.

Head on over to FaithandFamilyLIVE! to read more successes. Let's encourage and support one another!

Blessings and Grace.
Mary

mary's book basket ~ cecilia dowdy's chesapeake weddings

Author Cecelia Dowdy has created not one, not two but three inspirational romance novels in this compilation titled Chesapeake Weddings part of the Romancing America series from Barbour Publishing. I grew up in Maryland and spent many hours on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and it's surrounding communities. It's one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Ms. Dowdy uses the setting as a backdrop for three unique tales of strong African American woman who overcome their circumstance through faith and God's grace.

The Publisher description from Amazon:
"Relax along Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay as you read about three strong African American women who suddenly face upheaval in life. Monica is caring for her abandoned nephew and trying to pick the proper tutor for him. Emily is struggling to save the family farm when a CPA turns up to do an audit. Karen has been deceived by her fiancé, and now she’s expected to trust a neighbor who knows too much of her business. Can God rebuild their tattered lives with new loves?"


Ms Dowdy does not shy away from difficult topics such as child abandonment, disabilities and addictions. She weaves the thread of Gods mercy and forgiveness through each story as the characters try to rebuild their lives battling with their own inner demons. As with any good romance novel, love prevails in the end with relationships restored.

Ms. Dowdy's strength are her characters. She allows the reader to take the journey with these woman, keeping the tension strong throughout the story while slowly unveiling the answers to each of their soul searching quests to become whole once more. A very satisfying read indeed.

Happy Reading,
Mary

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**The FCC now requires book reviewers to disclose the following. Book reviews appear regularly on this website. There are books I review on this site that I purchase myself or get from the library. However, I do occasionally receive books, at no cost, in exchange for a fair and balanced review with no other compensation provided.

seeking self control...

This comes from the (in)courage website this morning. It's speaks to the center of my soul today. Oh self control how I seek you...

you gain some...you lose some...

****updated 3:37 p.m.*** Well God is moving a few mountains today. Court gained back ALL three pounds this week that she had lost last week. Woohoo!! We shall keep going...thank you so much for every single prayer uttered for her. 


When the world says I can't do it one more day, faith steps in and says "Yes, you can."

Jesus says "Mary, step out of the boat and walk to Me. Trust me!"

So with the wind blowing, the sea rollicking and the boat tossing me about, I will stand and take a step...because faith tells me I can even if all I want to do is lie down.

So please say a prayer for my girl today that she has gained some weight. I would be so grateful.

Blessings,

Mary

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

snake alley noodles...

I found this recipe several years ago in the Washington Post. I have no idea of it's origins other than that. From the beginning it has been a family favorite. It has all the components of a comfort meal. Pasta, warm enticing flavors with a little kick in the background. The ginger/garlic combo holds the key. It's quick and fairly economical as well. I usually double the sauce amount because it's where the magic lies. 

Give it try and let me know what you think.

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

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

Snake Alley Noodles

adapted from the Washington Post

Ingredients:

12 cup ounces uncooked spaghetti
(I always use whole wheat)

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons dry sherry

4 teaspoons cornstarch

1 cup water

1 pound ground pork

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

3/4 cup chopped green onions

8 ounces cooked baby shrimp 

(I usually use a little larger shrimp)

1.

Cook spaghetti, drain and keep warm

2.

Meanwhile combine soy sauce, sherry, cornstarch and water, set aside

3.

In large skillet set over medium heat, stir fry pork with ginger, garlic and red pepper until pork is cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Add green onions and stir fry one minute. Add soy sauce mixture and cook, stirring, until mixture boils and thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.

4. 

Stir in shrimp and heat through, pour over spaghetti and toss to combine.

why God made margarita's...

In the Last 24 Hours I have waited on hold for 22 minutes to make a gastro appointment...finally get a human on the line and the power goes out ending my call...10 minutes later the power comes back on...I try again, this time I only wait five minutes...I get a human on the line...Courtney goes into a six minute seizure effectively ending my call...the power goes out again...30 minutes later the power comes back on...the phone rings...lovely receptionist calling back to make gastro appointment...only I discover I had made one two weeks prior...totally forgot about it proving that I am slowly losing my mind...power goes out again...after 45 minutes house begins to feel like a hothouse...we head to the mall and air-conditioning...on the way to mall call a friend seeing if they have power having just realized that the mall does not have an appropriate place to change Court's diaper...friend LOVES me and we head to her house instead...spend several hours in a nice cool house being fed and cared for...came back home to POWER...YEA!!...wake up begin again...pancakes burn...bathroom cleaning...office de-cluttering and cleaning...blind breaks while dusting falling dramatically hitting me on the shoulder...bruise now present...kitchen floor scrubbing...empty refrigerator...off to the grocery store...short intense rain shower comes through while on my way to car carrying groceries...soaked...close the car door, rain stops...see rainbow as I'm driving home really, really wet...once home discover poison ivy on #1 son...small panic...find calamine lotion...apply...realize that I left a pot on stove with boiling water to make quinoa while looking for and applying lotion...no water left...pot is destroyed...I give up!!

This is why God made margarita's!!

Cheers!!

somedays, it's all about the shoes...

Having worked through some tough stuff this week, I thought I would lighten things up just a bit around here. Living the life that I do, I am often challenged to find a bright spot or happy place in my world to save my own sanity and put a smile back on my face.

In the beginning there was chocolate, the darker the better. One piece slowly savored over a minimum of three to five minutes allowing myself a moment to breathe and reset the emotion clock and I could face the situation and make it through the tough spot.

Then I was introduced to lattes and my life became SOOO much better. There were all those varieties to choose from! A latte for every occasion. Vanilla for shopping, tall triple shot to shake off a long night's bedside vigil, mocha for girl's night out and a soy chai when watching the calories.

Combine coffee AND chocolate...I mean really...does it get much better?

Then one Saturday afternoon my friend Christine introduced me to the marvel of discount shoes and Voila! The ultimate, most excellent happy place EVAH was opened to me. I mean there were racks upon racks of colorful, sparkly little pieces of heaven spread across a half acre.

There were shoes in every color of the rainbow. The red ones called to me like a siren from the sea. There were shoes with high heels and low. There were peep toes to display my manicured toseies right along side the slingbacks. There were wicked pumps with the pointed feature that just screamed girl power! Some shoes recalled the elegance of Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly and few evoked memories of a day at the beach. There were even shoes with jewelry on them. I mean who can resist a little bling on their feet? Oh the wonder of it all!

Can I just say that when life is really cruddy and you feel like all you're doing is ducking crap balls flying directly at you, standing tall in a fantastafabulous pair of shoes gives me a jolt of confidence that makes me feel like a rock star!

Knowing I spent less than $30 dollars on them makes me a flippin superhero!

Shoes don't make your face breakout or add inches to your waistline. A great pair of shoes makes a girl downright giddy with delight, helping in any situation where frustration might bubble up.

Just a peek at the feet and yippyskippy...happy dance!

Yep, sometimes IT IS all about the shoes.

When things get you down, what puts a smile on your face?

Mary

small successes (vol.38)...

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

Danielle Bean @ Faith and Family LIVE!

1.
I have successfully thrown off the gloom and doom attitude of the past 48 hours, thank you Jesus! I apologize for emotionally vomiting all over cyberspace. Yikes I can be intense sometimes!
So, I raise my coffee cup in salute to moving forward and staying in a positive mental space because otherwise I will need meds...lots of meds!

2.
We cleaned out the garage! It was an amazing day and yes, I am still married!

3.
We are on day five of Courtney's Novena. Servant of God, Father Vincent Capodanno has been working hard for our girl. I thank everyone who has been praying for my family! You will never know how much it has meant to us.

Head on over to FaithandFamilyLIVE! to read more successes. Let's encourage and support one another!

Blessings and Grace.
Mary

love will find you where you are...

Courtney in 2004

Having a child with a chronic illness and disabilities, you learn to appreciate the smallest things. You learn to celebrate each and every smile, laugh or moment of joy. You learn that some mornings you wake up feeling rested and gloriously uplifted and other mornings you will feel like you got hit by an two ton truck and every bone in your body is broken.

This morning I was feeling broken, discouraged and so, very, very tired. When things in life are fragile, one hit with the right instrument and the glass around your heart shatters. Yesterday, one moment I was whole and in the next, tiny shards lay at my feet.

I had received some very good news via email about some writing opportunities and was feeling cautiously optimistic about where life was going. It's a delicate thing a writers ego and even though I was feeling slightly overwhelmed about my ability to handle this new challenge among the craziness of my daily life, my confidence was beginning to rise. Then WHAM! The bottom drops out once more and I was left staggering and completely off balance.

The devil went after my mother's heart and scored a direct hit!

After three months of ups and downs, including weight gain and loss, seizures and illness, Courtney has lost three pounds in ONE week! It's just astonishing to me. I am baffled and utterly clueless as to how this could happen. The Gastro team is just as confused and our poor dietitian is ready to give up. We are all feeling tapped out. One moment we are up and in the next...totally trashed.

"What's the big deal, Mary? Just be patient and she will gain it back" said a well-intentioned friend.

I felt like I had had a seizure and my world was toppling all around me. You see I am totally responsible for Courtney's care. I feed her. She cannot feed herself. I had followed all the instructions and have for nine weeks now. Things were going so well weren't they? Courtney was gaining slowly but surely. She even had a few weeks with a one pound loss or no weight gain. That was OK. Patience and perseverance is the key isn't it??

THREE pounds!! Even the doctors voice cracked. That's a lot for someone like Court, especially with no known physical reason for it. Also, the seizures have gotten more intense which is down right frightening. Blood tests are negative, scans are negative, swallow tests negative, scope tests negative. It has been three months now. What the hell is going on??? WHY is this happening??

So last night I literally laid my head down on the kitchen table and wept. I bawled like a baby for about ten minutes. My husband just stood next to me with his hand on my back and waited for this wave of emotion to pass. He knows me so well. I am like a dam, eventually I burst and the walls have to be shored up once more. I have been walking this path for seventeen years people and there are good days and there are bad days.

Yesterday was a BAD day!

So what now?

As my son would say "Mom, what's the plan?"

I had no stinkin clue. Not.one.clue.

So I went to bed and left it all alone. I woke up feeling like the world was sitting on my chest. I did not want to get up and face one more day like yesterday. That paralyzing feeling I get when things are really bad was beginning to creep in again and suffocate me.

I got up and went into my daughters room to begin preparing her for her day.

And there she was smiling up at me as if to say "It's all OK Mamma. It's a new day. No worries mate!"

I could hear God smiling. I could feel the anxiety draining from every part of me. It is going to be OK.

In God's time not mine. He is the master architect, not me.

I KNOW that for sure.

I KNOW that God is here in this house, right now with me.

He is in control because I most certainly am NOT!

He is asking me to trust Him with Courtney's life AND mine one more day.

He is asking me to shed the fear and just lean on Him for my EVERY need.

He is asking me to love Him as He loved me...with my WHOLE life. ALL of it.

The anxiety, the sadness, the confusion, the trepidation, the lack of confidence, the anger, the guilt, the frustration.

He is asking me to give it ALL to Him. He will CARRY it...ALL of it...IF I let Him.

So I will...let Him.

Love has found me right here in this place of pain and confusion. I have prayed. I have cried. I have pondered.

I have surrendered one more day to My God...

His love is in my daughter's smile, her laughter, her sweet curly head resting on my shoulder as I read His word.

It is in my husbands strong embrace and whispered words that everything will work out if we just believe and trust.

It's in my son's promise to his sister that he will be waiting for her after school with stories and sweet hugs.

It's in all of your prayers and kind words of support for me and my family. You see these challenges and burdens are made easier by every single person who has ever whispered a prayer for our girl. Our family is not alone in this. I am not alone in this and my heart is filled with gratefulness...

I am not so tired now. His love is here...right here, right now.

God will heal what is broken and I will move on through another hour, another day and will lift my hands in praise for the One who never leaves my side.

I imagine Him singing these words into my heart:

"As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." James 5:11

That's what it's all about...Passionate Perseverance...wouldn't you say?

Blessings and Grace,

Mary

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

The Words I Would Say

sung by the Sidewalk Prophets

Three in the morning,

And I'm still awake,

So I picked up a pen and a page,

And I started writing,

Just what I'd say,

If we were face to face,

I'd tell you just what you mean to me,

I'd tell you these simple truths,

Be strong in the LORD and,

Never give up hope,

You're going to do great things,

I already know,

God's got His hand on you so,

Don't live life in fear,

Forgive and forget,

But don't forget why you're here,

Take your time and pray,

These are the words I would say,

Last time we spoke,

You said you were hurting,

And I felt your pain in my heart,

I want to tell you,

That I keep on praying,

Love will find you where you are,

I know cause I've already been there,

So please hear these simple truths,

Be strong in the LORD and,

Never give up hope,

You're going to do great things,

I already know,

God's got His hand on you so,

Don't live life in fear,

Forgive and forget,

But don't forget why you're here,

Take your time and pray,

These are the words I would say,

From one simple life to another,

I will say,

Come find peace in the Father,

Be strong in the LORD and,

Never give up hope,

You're going to do great things,

I already know,

God's got His hand on you so,

Don't live life in fear,

Forgive and forget,

But don't forget why you're here,

Take your time and pray,

Thank God for each day,

His love will find a way,

These are the words I would say

wordless wednesday...

One reason Courtney is very happy to have her brother home...

story-time!

(J does a wicked Winnie the Pooh voice)

tasty tuesday...giada's salmon w/citrus salsa

The woman in my family have been known to struggle with heart disease. With that in mind, eating more healthfully is finally at the top of my "life list". So how does one accomplish this without getting bored with what your eating? In my kitchen it's all about creativity and new flavors, my friends. Never be afraid to try something new. If it's awful, you'll only have to eat it once! 

I am always on the hunt for healthy fish recipes. Salmon is a personal favorite. I knew I would find some real gems when the new Giada De Laurentiis cookbook, Giada at Home: Family Recipes from Italy and California, arrived on my doorstep last week.  

This recipe has a lovely crisp clean feel to it that Miss Giada is know for. It's uncomplicated and simple and oh so healthy. I love grilled fish to begin with and then to add the fresh citrus...sweet. I feel my cholesterol lowering even as I look at the picture. I served it over whole grain brown rice with a fresh green salad filled with blackberries and a lovely Dijon vinaigrette. 

Healthy never tasted so good!

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

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

Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa Verde

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients:

Salsa:

2 large oranges

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

2 scallions, finely sliced

3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves

2 tablespoons capers, rinsed, drained and coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons orange zest

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Salmon:

Vegetable or canola oil, for oiling the grill

4 (4 to 5-ounce) center cut salmon fillets, skinned, each about 3-inches square

2 tablespoons amber agave nectar

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

For the salsa: Peel and trim the ends from each orange. Using a paring knife, cut along the membrane on both sides of each segment. Free the segments and add them to a medium bowl. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, scallions, mint, capers, orange zest, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Toss lightly and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.

For the salmon: Put a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill. Brush the grilling rack with vegetable oil to keep the salmon from sticking. Brush the salmon on both sides with the agave nectar and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill until the fish flakes easily and is cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Transfer the salmon to a platter and allow to rest for 5 minutes.

Spoon the salsa verde on top of the salmon or serve on the side as an accompaniment.

scenes from a weekend...

a man...a cigar...a glass of wine...and a good book
life doesn't get much better ;>)

there are baby blueberries! yea!!

the best party planners on the planet!
the evil master N is behind us displaying the rabbit ears.
no worries he was dealt with sufficiently!

yummmmm...

my Julia Child roses bloomed. sweet!