the rhythm of home ~ don't worry...be happy NOW!

Outside My Window ~

It's dark outside and the wind and rain have finally gone away. I know we need them but not when I am driving across the bridge from Maryland to Virginia in a 9 foot high wheelchair lift van. It was a bit dicey today but I arrived home safe and sound. I must admit I am looking forward to Spring, to cleaning out the old and planting the new. It's an exciting time.

I am Listening To ~

Right now there is a conversation going on in the kitchen between J-man and his Dad about college credits and transferring deadlines. In the next breath they begin debating vampires versus zombies. I don't care what they talk about as long s the dishes get done. I do love my boys and their variety of dish doing topics. Miss Courtney is humming next to me...maybe she's got an opinion on the whole zombie thing. Who knows?

I am Wearing ~

Soft wool socks, flannel jammie pants and a long sleeve t-shirt. Pretty soon flannel will be too warm but I will enjoy it while I can. 

I am Blessed and Grateful For ~

#171 - #185:

* father and son chats while doing the dishes.

*sons who seek their fathers advice on their future vocation...an answer to prayer.

*a Saturday spent writing and talking about writing surrounded by writer's

*the mountains...part of God's canvas that always take my breath away

*silence at 5 a.m. 

*picture hangers

*pictures of family and friends to hang

*true friends who are sheltering trees come rain or shine
*my community of writers...so blessed
*good books to read while the rain is pouring
*sofa cushions, lots of sofa cushions
*icons that remind me of the communion of saints that pray with me each day
*pasta with béchamel sauce and parmesan cheese...yummm
*vanilla scented candles and coconut/lime scented hand soap 

I am Pondering ~

"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:34

"What matters is today. Today is the day we need in which to love, to grow in holiness, through those countless little occurrences that go to make up the texture of our life. Some things will be naturally pleasant, others perhaps less gratifying, but each one of them can be made to shine for God and for eternity, a gem which we will have wrought and polished with human perfection and supernatural meaning...each day is the one we must fill with love for our God;every day is one we must finish, leaving it brimful of good works. We cannot let a single chance of doing good slip through our hands. Today does not come round again, ever, and God expects us to fill it with love and with little acts of service towards others. Our Guardian Angel should rejoice when he offers our day to our Father God."

Conversation with God; Daily Meditations Volume Three: Ordinary Time: Weeks 1-12 

by Francis Fernandez

I am Reading ~

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

Song of Renewal by Emily Sue Harvey

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp 

Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort of Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach

The One Year Women's Friendship Devotional by Cheri Fuller and Sandra P. Aldrich

I am Creating Something of Beauty with My Hands ~

My "sewing buddy" Emma is ahead of me right now in our first sewing challenge. Not to worry by tomorrow I will be caught up.  We are making this Oliver and S Pattern bedtime story pajamas sewing pattern. I will post pictures this weekend in a separate post.

Sew baby Sew!!

On My iPod ~

Audiobooks and praise music. It's a happy dance combination!

I am Writing ~

...on the memoir...plodding away...slowly but surely...

Towards Rhythm and Beauty in my Home this Week ~

I rearranged ALL the photos, art work and icons in the living room. I am happy, happy, happy with the results. Next up will be the kitchen. It needs so much love...it's a bit overwhelming but it needs a face lift...let the planning begin.

Living the Liturgy Daily ~

planning, planing, writing, reading, planning for Lent. One week before Ash Wednesday. I have gotten down the purple fabric to cover the crucifixes in the house. This is a custom that I grew up with and it always makes me think of home. 

What are your plans this Lent?  

I am Hoping and Praying for ~

*Miss Courtney's care plan and new meds. May God continue to guide her doctors. 

* for a return to civility with the political discourse in this country. Words have power and people need to be personally responsible for the words and deeds. "Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness." Mother Teresa

* for my cousin Anne who is deployed to Afghanistan and our family friend Gerard at Marine Boot Camp in Paris Island. May God protect all those who serve this wonderful nation.

*for Jerry's Dad who is recovering from surgery on his foot. My God grant patience to my mother-in-law and peaceful healing to Don. It's going to be a long two months I think.

* for someone dear to me who is expecting once more. That God may protect both Momma and little one. 

*for Caleb and his Momma and Daddy. That they may feel hope once more in the midst of great sacrifice. 

* for those who are searching for their purpose in this world. That God may grant them a passionate perseverance to discover His plan for them.

*for Suzanne at church who prays for my girl, just because

*in thanksgiving for my friends diagnosis...continued prayers for the course of treatment she must follow. 

*in thanksgiving for my two godchildren Peter and Lilly who turn four in the next few weeks. I am so honored to be your Godmother. 

*for the six woman I have prayed with weekly for over 10 years now. That God may guide their daily paths as family needs and obligations prevent us from being physically present to one another at this time. May God shelter them and the ones they hold closest to their hearts.

*for a special intention

"Pray, Hope and Don't Worry" ~ Padre Pio 

In the Garden ~

The plans for the garden continue. It's a little intimidating but I think we can do it. It's going to be a challenge and an adventure. 

In the Kitchen ~

Not feeling the inspiration this week. So sad. I am over pasta...really over it. I am ready for a fresh veggie explosion. 

Courtney's World ~

As you know last week was NOT a good one.  Miss Courtney has decided that this week will be a better one. Only one seizure in 48 hours. That's my girl...loves to keep her audience riveted. So things are calm for now. You never know with this young lady...I have the grey hair to prove it. 

A Picture Thought ~

after a day of running errands...too funny!

Please join Ann Voskamp @ A Holy Experience to celebrate the little gifts given each day by the ONE who loves us most!

there are days...and then there are DAYS...

The last 24 hours has been quit challenging. Yesterday I was faced with a difficult situation that required patience, perseverance, more patience and then some kick butt action to make things right. That took some serious time and a wee bit of my energy. I was looking forward to a quieter day today, lunch with my guy while Court was at school, maybe even a small trip to the bookstore for a latte and a new book. It was going to be calm and peaceful.

So of course what I received as the exact opposite cause that's just how it roles in my world. I am OK with it most of the time unless it affects my family. This morning I had to chase down more information about yesterdays issues to arrive at a resolution everyone could live with. After completing that task I headed off to the book store for that lovely latte. I had already made arrangements for lunch with my guy so I had an hour to spend in happy little bookstore heaven.

Then my phone rang and all hell broke lose.

That's how it happens every single time.

"She's seizing. 5 minutes and still going strong" says her teacher in a strong steady voice.

"I am on the way." I start with the "Hail Mary" and work my way through my standard emergency prayers. I move, down the escalator, out to the parking lot, into the car. I call my husband who was already headed my way for lunch. I tell him to head to the school, Court's in trouble.

I drive, trying not to break any traffic laws. I pray. The phone rings again.

"How much longer?" says her teacher.

"I am two minutes away."

"OK. I'll tell them to hang here and not take her." She hangs up.

Take her?? Take her where?? Realization hits me...crap, crap, crap...they had to call 911. The EMT's want to transport her. 

I drive a little faster, pray harder.

I pull into the parking lot, there are lights flashing. There's a fire truck and an ambulance. All the kids are in the cafeteria because it's lunch time. I park and run into the school.

She's in the clinic with L the nurse, her teacher B and about eight of the county's finest. All eyes on Momma as I rush to put my arms around my sleepy beauty. There are coos and whispers into her ears, prayers of thanksgiving rise from my lips and heart. She has made it through, by the grace of God, one more time.

L tells me to take a deep breath and be calm. My agitation is obvious. Then she describes what happened and why she called the EMT's. Courtney was gagging, really struggling to breathe, the intensity of the seizure, beginning to turn blue, it just kept going on and on, do we suction?? and so on. She gave her Ativan to help stop the seizure.

I thank her. She stayed calm and she followed the care plan. She is a rock star school nurse and I am so glad my girl is being well cared for.

The handsome 6'4" EMT asks if we want to transport to the ER. I look down and my sleeping pale wonder and tell them thank you but no, we're going home. We've done this for 18 years and all the ER Doc will say is that there is nothing they can do.

I thank them all for being there for Court. I sign the papers and Jerry and I bundle her up and head out the door, pushing her wheelchair. It's stop and go. There are hugs from teachers, students and staff. We are loved more and more through each of them. They all care about our beautiful girl so much and we are beyond blessed to have them walk this journey with us.

Jer heads back to work and I take Sleeping Beauty home. There are calls to make to doctors, checking in and making sure there wasn't anything else we needed to do. Momma needs to do everything she can to protect her girl and make her world as safe as possible.

Courtney sleeps peacefully. To look at her now you would never know the hell of those ten minutes. But she shoulders on doing her best to be who God made her to be...our sunshine, our heart, our miracle.

There are days...and then there are DAYS!

tasty tuesday ~ chicken chow mein

chicken and peppers and onions...oh my!!

One of my frugal challenges lately has been to recreate some of our favorite Chinese take out recipes in order to save a few dollars on those nights where I would normally order out. I have not had much success with a wok. I think part of it is because I have an electric stove and I think  woks work better over gas flame. It couldn't possibly be my lack of skill. LOL! Just my opinion mind you. 

When I saw this recipe in a magazine it looked fairly simple and the flavor combination included some of my favorite, honey and lime. So I thought I would give it a shot. I cleared my counters off, got out the chopping board and got to work. Chinese cooking is all about mis en plas (everything in it's place). It's very important to make sure your ingredients are all cut into similar sizes so that everything cooks evenly and your not waiting on one ingredient or another. 

This recipe was really easy and I actually got the whole wok thing down fairly well. I browned the chicken without killing it and all the peppers still had a crisp edge to them. The one thing that I didn't like was the overwhelming lime. Next time I will only use the juice of one lime and I think the balance will be a better. 

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

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 This weeks recipe is being shared with Balancing Beauty and Bedlam , Full Plate @ Miz Helen's Country Cottage, Raising Homemakers , Delicious Dishes, Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday, The King's Court IV, Tuesdays at the Table, 33 Shades of Green as well as Frugality and Crunchiness w/ Christy! Head on over to their blogs and check out other fabulous recipes.

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getting ready to toss some chow mein goodness...yummmmm!

Ming Tsai's Chicken and Tri-Bell Pepper Chow Mein

adapted from Popular Plates Magazine, Comfort Food edition

Ingredients:

1/2 pound fresh or dried chow mein or Shanghai noodles

Kosher salt

6 Tablespoons grapeseed or canola oil, plus more for coating the noodles

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut across the width into 1/3-inch strips

3 Tablespoons minced garlic

2 Tablespoons minced ginger

1 bunch scallions, white and green parts, cut into 1-inch lengths

1/4 cup naturally brewed soy sauce

1/4 cup honey

Juice of 2 limes

3 small bell peppers, red, green, and yellow, cut into 1-inch dice

1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil, for drizzling

Directions:

Fill a large bowl with water and add ice cubes. In a wok, cook the noodles in abundant boiling salted water until al dente, 3 minutes if fresh, 8 to 10 minutes if dried. Drain and transfer the noodles to the ice water. When cold, drain, transfer to a plate, coat lightly with oil, and set aside. Drain the wok, dry it, and heat over high heat. Add 4 tablespoons of the oil and swirl to coat the pan. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through, about 6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Add the remaining 2 Tablespoons of oil to the wok, swirl, and when hot, add the garlic, ginger and scallions. Stir-fry until soft, about 1 minute. Add the soy sauce, deglaze the wok, and add the honey and lime juice. Simmer until the liquid is reduced by one quarter, about 30 seconds. Return the chicken with any juice in the plate to the wok and add the peppers. Toss, add the noodles, and heat through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a platter, drizzle with the sesame oil, and serve.

the rhythm of home ~ faith

Outside My Window ~

A quiet February morning. The sun comes and goes. Birds are chirping singing the new hope of a spring to come. There is hope outside the window of new beginnings, of earth turned and waiting to sprout glorious color and fragrance in time for Easter. But first we must go through another ice storm tonight. It's just like God to say "be patient...new life is coming...I am coming..."

I am Listening To ~

Courtney making humming sounds in her sleep. She's home from school today. It's been a rough few days since they changed her seizure meds. She is adjusting slowly but surely. I have placed my faith once more in God's hands and pray this new physician can help my beautiful daughter. 

I am Wearing ~

Yoga pants and a black long sleeved t-shirt. Don't have the energy for much else. 

I am Blessed and Grateful For ~

#156 - #170:

* FAITH and a merciful God who sustains me and helps me in my unbelief

*a new neurologist who has restored hope in this tired Momma that there may be an answer and a help for my girl. I told God many years ago whenever He was ready to tell me why, I would be patient and wait. I pray this is the time and if not, I pray for the continued patience to wait upon the Lord for all things.

*the arrival of my husbands Masters Degree Diploma this week. The look on his face was priceless!

*for a new niece/nephew who will arrive in the early Fall

*a lovely sewing buddy nestled up north who is already encouraging me to create and find that inner peace that comes with making something beautiful by hand. 

*a group of woman who support my writing and inspire me to keep going.

*Luau Pork, Vanilla Butter cream Cake and Bananagrams
*actually winning a round of Bananagrams
*six-year-old hugs that make me melt

*curly headed girlfriends who make me giggle 

*clean laundry that has been folded and actually put away where it belongs

*a devoted husband who prays for his wife, even when he's tired

*silence - sweet and fruitful

*projects that challenge me to do better and be better

*St. Mary of Sorrows who shows me the way with each pierce of her heart

I am Pondering ~

"To fear God is to be in awe of his power and knowledge. To fear him is to bow before mysteries we can never comprehend, like the fact that God gave us freedom to choose, even though our free choices often have dire consequences for ourselves and others. To fear God is to dare to believe that he created each one of us to know, love, and serve him in this life and be happy with him forever.

God is so much greater than we could ever ask, and so much closer than we could ever imagine. He loves us so much that he has taken on our flesh, forgiven our sins, and defeated our most terrifying enemies—even the last enemy, death.

This is a God to love, a God to reverence, and a God to honor with our whole lives!"

The Word Among Us Daily Meditation for 2/21/11

"It is only in prayer, in the intimacy of a face-to-face and personal dialogue with God which opens up the mind and the heart, that the man of faith can deepen his understanding of god's will with respect to his own life."

A. del Portillo, On Priesthood

I am Reading ~

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

Song of Renewal by Emily Sue Harvey

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp 

Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort of Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach

The One Year Women's Friendship Devotional by Cheri Fuller and Sandra P. Aldrich

I am Creating Something of Beauty with My Hands ~

My "sewing buddy" Emma in NY have made a plan. The first project we will work through will be an Oliver and S Pattern bedtime story pajamas sewing pattern. We have two weeks to accomplish this and then we will move on to the next project. I will post pictures and fabric selections in a separate post. Fun, fun, fun!

On My iPod ~

lots of fabulous praise and worship music, books and even a few lectures on structure and voice when writing a novel. I love how much stuff this tiny device holds. It helps so much as I am driving to and fro.

I am Writing ~

...on the memoir...plodding away...slowly but surely...

Towards Rhythm and Beauty in my Home this Week ~

This week I will be rearranging the artwork and family pictures on the walls in the living room and hallway. I would like to create a more dedicated "icon wall" to help me focus during early morning prayer time. I was reminded by a friend that Christ should always be front and center in my home and so He shall.

   One day at a time, one task at a time.

Living the Liturgy Daily ~

Soup recipes are spilling out on the dining room table as we speak. I am looking for simple and hearty recipes that will nourish our bodies during this Lenten Season. What a special time in the church year. Mother Church provides a time of fasting and penitence that I grow to love more and more the older I get. I pray it will be a fruitful Lent for you as well. 

I am Hoping and Praying for ~

*In gratitude and thanksgiving for Jerry who completed his Masters Degree in Military History receiving his diploma this week. Glorious day indeed!

* for Courtney and all the little changes that end up affecting her in a BIG way.

* for the Middle East and it's people. May God guide them as they pursue a democratic future

* for a return to civility with the political discourse in this country. Words have power and people need to be personally responsible for the words and deeds. "Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness." Mother Teresa

* for my cousin Anne who is deployed to Afghanistan and our family friend Gerard at Marine Boot Camp in Paris Island. May God protect all those who serve this wonderful nation.

*for Jerry's Dad who is recovering from surgery on his foot. My God grant patience to my mother-in-law and peaceful healing to Don. It's going to be a long two months I think.

* for those I hold close to my heart that are suffering from depression or anxiety. That God's healing grace will seep into every part of their life relieving them of these issues.

* for someone dear to me who is expecting once more. That God may protect both Momma and little one. 

*for Caleb and his Momma and Daddy. That they may feel hope once more in the midst of great sacrifice. 

* for those who are searching for their purpose in this world. That God may grant them a passionate perseverance to discover His plan for them.

*for Suzanne at church who prays for my girl, just because

*for a dear friend who received a scary diagnosis last week. That she may find the answers and the treatment needed to restore her to full health.

*for the six woman I have prayed with weekly for over 10 years now. That God may guide their daily paths as family needs and obligations prevent us from being physically present to one another at this time. May God shelter them and the ones they hold closest to their hearts.

*for a special intention

"Pray, Hope and Don't Worry" ~ Padre Pio 

In the Garden ~

The plans for the garden continue. It's a little intimidating but I think we can do it. It's going to be a challenge and an adventure. 

In the Kitchen ~

I am trying to finish working my way through the deep freeze. The next time I do a big cook I will make sure I diversify a wee bit more. I must admit I am a bit tired of pasta cooked fifty million different ways. I am looking forward to the 40 days of soup and scripture. My mind, body and soul are craving simplicity.

Courtney's World ~

Courtney is hanging in there. It has been almost one week since we changed her seizure meds and so far we are holding at two big seizures a day. She is a little groggy from the change but that's to be expected. Her schedule has become even more important in the last week due to the requests for data and information for the new neurologist. Have I ever told you how much I hate data sheets? Well I do! However they are a necessary evil at the moment so I will deal. 

I am really looking forward to the Spring. Courtney loves to be outside and it always brings a smile to her face. I long for porch sitting afternoons with my girl. 

Thank you for your continued prayer support. She will be undergoing some tests in the next two weeks that hopefully will yield some major answers for us a long time in coming. I humbly ask that you continue to lift my girl up. I promise to let you know when we know something.

A Picture Thought ~

3 years of hard work later, my guy holds his second master degree...this one in military history.
Congratulations Jer! I love you and am so proud of you!

Please join Ann Voskamp @ A Holy Experience to celebrate the little gifts given each day by the ONE who loves us most!

the winner is...

MaRia!!

Miss MaRia I will have the signed copy of Big Boys Don't Spy in the mail later this week. 

Congratulations and thanks to everyone who commented.

Happy Reading,

Mary

sugar+coffee=joy...

long week this week...I fear I say that every week...hubby is making breakfast this cold February morning...the wind is speaking to me with a ferocious voice...I miss my happy Spring weather...I want to plant my garden...need to finish planning my garden...the nursery on a Saturday morning is very scary...maybe I will wait...waiting seems prudent since there may be more SNOW this week...Argh...I am so over the snow thing...SO over it...Court needs a bath...her curls will be so happy...an early morning visit from a sweet friend will bring joy and laughter and COFFEE!!!...I need coffee...LOTS of coffee...with cream and sugar...that's what makes the coffee so yummy...so very yummy...then it's time to work...there is an insurmountable pile of editing to do...bigger pile of writing to accomplish...even BIGGER pile of sewing and quilting waiting...it's only 8:17 a.m...I am already overwhelmed...I need coffee...things are better with coffee...it's my secret superpower...with coffee I can do anything...I think...well maybe not EVERYthing...need to stop typing and get ready for joy to arrive...and share my coffee...but only if she brings donuts...cause they are like the wonder twins...Wonder twin powers ACTIVATE!...sugar+coffee=joy!
Happy Saturday!

mary's book basket ~ "lady in the mist" by laurie alice eakes

Product Description:

By virtue of her profession as a midwife, Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets: the names of fathers of illegitimate children, the level of love and harmony within many a marriage, and now the identity of a man who may have caused his wife's death. Dominick Cherrett is a man with his own secret to keep: namely, what he, a British nobleman, is doing on American soil working as a bondsman in the home of Mayor Kendall, a Southern gentleman with his eye on a higher office.

By chance one morning before the dawn has broken, Tabitha and Dominick cross paths on a misty beachhead, leading them on a twisted path through kidnappings, death threats, public disgrace, and . . . love? Can Tabitha trust Dominick? What might he be hiding? And can either of them find true love in a world that seems set against them?

With stirring writing that puts readers directly into the story, Lady in the Mist expertly explores themes of identity, misperception, and love's discovery.

I love a well written Regency Historical. They are usually filled with barons and balls, social intrigue and class conflict. Lady In The Mist is NOT your average Regency. Author Laurie Alice Eakes tells the story of two "average" citizens. It is a tale of redemption and it was one I had a hard time putting down. Tabitha is a woman of grace and strength whose only desire is to help the sick and assist in bringing new life into the world. Dominick is a man on a mission. He is trying to restore his name and reputation while exposing the truth behind politically motivated kidnappings.

This book has got it all. True love, mystery, political intrigue, grace and redemption. It takes place at a time of great unrest in our country. It is a book that you will want to read then read again. 

So get to it!

Happy Reading!

Mary