Cake [A Story]

A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong: she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away. Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.'

'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers.
'Yuck' says her daughter.
'How about a couple raw eggs?'
'Gross, Mom!'
'Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?'
'Mom, those are all yucky!'

To which the mother replies : 'Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!'

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

- From an e-mail forward, Author Unknown

Also, Eight Years Ago...

I was looking through our wedding photos and came across these pics. Jason and Natalie were not "an item" at our wedding... but got home from our honeymoon to discover they had gone out on a date! Looking back I'm so thankful that Natalie was a part of our wedding, even though we had no idea we'd ever be family.

Eight Years Ago

Eight years ago today, I married my very best friend. There's no way I could've anticipated all that was to come -- the abundant joy, the challenges, the laughter, and the deep and ever-growing love we share. I love you, Aaron!

Then

by Brad Paisley

I remember, trying not to stare the night that I first met you

You had me mezmorized

And three weeks later, in the front porch light

taking forty-five minutes to kiss goodnight

I hadn't told you yet

but I thought I loved you then

And now you're my whole life

now you're my whole world

I just can't believe the way I feel about you, girl

Like a river meets the sea,

stronger than it's ever been.

We've come so far since that day

And I thought I loved you then

And i remember, taking you back to right where I first met you,

You were so surprised

There were people around, but I didn't care

Got down on one knee right there once again,

I thought I loved you then

I could just see you, with a baby on the way

And I could just see you, when your hair is turning gray

What I can't see is how I'm ever gonna love you more

But I've said that before

And now you're my whole life

now you're my whole world

I just can't believe the way I feel about you, girl

We'll look back someday, at this moment that we're in

And I'll look at you and say

And I thought I loved you then

And I thought I loved you then

Pina Colada Sorbet [What's Cookin']

The summer heat is in full swing, and I find that all I can really think about is being in the pool and having something icy cold to drink. Yesterday, I sat poolside reading a magazine while the kids swam, and as the sweat dripped down my neck, a recipe all but audibly called my name. After the pool, we headed straight to the store.

The kids and I all loved this cool, summery dessert and hope you will too!

Pina Colada Sorbet
modified slightly from the Cooking Light recipe

3 cups cubed fresh pineapple
10 oz. can coconut juice
1/2 c. sugar
8 oz. can cream of coconut
1 can lite coconut milk

1. Place first 3 ingredients in a blender and process until smooth and sugar dissolves. Combine pureed pineapple mixture, coconut milk, and cream of coconut in a bowl; stir with a whisk. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
2. Pour mixture into freezer can of an ice-cream freezer and follow manufacturer's instructions. Once frozen, eat! You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container.

It's yummy with graham cracker or sugar cone garnish. Would also be good with some sort of tangy syrup. Working on that!

P.S. Jason and Natalie, I LOVE the ice cream maker you guys got us a couple years ago! It's so much fun! :)

This Weekend [06.05.11]

Last week so so absolutely busy that looking forward to the weekend is, I’m sure, all that kept me sane (though the matter of my sanity is questionable). I worked through a ridiculous to-do list so that I could have the luxury of enjoying “time off”.

We kicked the weekend off with a birthday party for these two boys. I can’t believe they’re FIVE now! We spent the evening at the pool with family and just a couple friends. It was very laid back and fun, and the boys had a great time!

My mom and dad came down for the party and then spent the rest of the weekend with us. Saturday we went and enjoyed the Helotes Market Days, lunch at Floore’s, and an evening of just sitting and relaxing together. Oh, and Aaron and my dad spent the day smoking various meats. DELICIOUS!
 

We came across THIS awesome thing while in Helotes and couldn’t resist. The kids had so much fun! (Who wouldn’t?!)

This morning, we had a great morning at church. After rolling out a new children’s ministry curriculum, launching the youth ministry’s first Sunday, and a great service, we had our monthly lunch and tons of people stayed! Great morning, and it’s so cool to see God at work.

To finish off the weekend, we came home and spent the afternoon swimming, watching a movie, shopping, riding bikes, and reading. Everything is peaceful. I’m trying to soak it all in before the week hits me again.

Also, be in prayer for Aaron and a team of awesome people from RCCC. They’re leaving early in the morning for a mission trip to Joplin, MO where they’ll be working and serving those affected by the tornado. So inspired by people who get out there and actually DO something! Can’t wait to see what God has in store.