Tootsie Pops & the Damn Candy Bag

When my siblings played sports in high school, my mom always brought a bag of candy, The Damn Candy Bag*, to the game. It was filled with Twizzlers, seasonal chocolates, a giant Ziploc of Hot Tamales and Tootsie Pops. The Twizzlers were for my dad, the other candies were for all, but the Tootsie Pops had a special job. They were in the bag to be handed out to parents who were known to get a little mouthy with the referee. Some asked for them, others were politely asked what flavor they'd like.

As my boys began to play soccer and I found myself nervous for them, but on occasion I do disagree with calls made. I am not often mouthy, but admit, I do yell when my child is obviously fouled or fouls another. Recently in a game I even yelled the first name, followed by middle, when one of my boys took down another player. I was told by another parent, his play was fair and legal. I replied, the play may have been, but the look I saw in his eye was not. I apologized to those near and to Elliott after the game, but mentioned that look he had in his eye. He forgave me.

A few years ago when I noticed this happening, I began to carry my own stash of Tootsie Pops. The more my belly turns, the more sticks pile at my feet. When necessary, I share. I've discovered they pair nicely with coffee in the morning and water in the afternoon. 

My boys played in the Arkansas State Soccer tournament this past weekend. If you follow us on Instagram or me on Twitter, you may have already seen these images. That is the story behind them and how you most certainly judge a soccer game by the Tootsie Pop sticks. See if you notice a pattern. 

 Game 1: Elliott

 Game 2: Chas

Game 3: Elliott

Game 4: Chas
We have a number of families with siblings on different teams. I took the bigs back to the hotel to snack, swim and play while Jonathan and other parents attended the littles games. I received text message updates while sipping wine, reading magazines and making sure the game of tag didn't get out of hand.

Game 5: Elliott

I stood at the opposite end of the field from my Tootsie Pop bag for the first half. It's not a long walk to the other end, I realize this. Elliott and the front line were having a great game and I didn't want to miss a single shot on goal. I adapted and bit my finger nails. I am not a nail biter, but this game bit the nail on every finger and thumb. The sticks are from the 2nd half. Suck on that Freud. 

Game 6: Chas

We found out last night that Chas made the Strikers A team for next year. Very proud of him. He plays keeper and according to him, he's playing keeper for this team. Beginning in the fall, on soccer weekends, I will consume half of my calories in the form of Tootsie Pops. If I were you, I'd highly consider a stock purchase.

* The candy bag was lovingly named the Damn Candy Bag after it was asked for during a critical point in the game. Someone, probably me, was not paying attention, obviously found chocolate more important and requested it to be passed. It was not passed, but thrown with these words attached, "Here is the damn candy bag! Stop asking for it." 

a friend and a yellow cow pitcher

God has given me a gift this year.

A friend and this friend knew this little pitcher would make my heart happy. 

Feeling extra thankful today, that's all.

Dear God, 

Thank you.

Thank you for friends and intersections in life and yellow cow pitchers.

Amen. 

my nugget

In this little spot in the cyber world, there is little which is consistent  Truly, you never know what you will find this Nimrod sharing. On Mother's Day for a number of years, I have shared a very similar post. I've shared the greatest gift I've been given on this day.The video which was taped and shared with our church on Mother's Day morning. Having never viewed it, we sat up close that day and I cried in all the good ways and maybe a little out of embarrassment.

It's a moment frozen in time. A moment when my boys words were not spoken correctly and their smiles had gaps. Their feet, not so smelly and their curiosity didn't scare me, but challenged me.

The days have passed, their teeth, now bigger than their mouth and their curiosity at times scares. It causes me to pray harder and with more frequency when they are out of sight. Their experiences span the world wide and their imaginations take them to places far, far away. They are gentlemen and rowdy. They are respectful and sassy. They are my boys. The boys God shared with me and how I know God loves me.

God loves me and I know he is real, because he made me a mom. 

I sure love you Elliott and Chas. Thank you for making this day special and for your hugs, shrugs and even the conflict. This kiddo told me this morning, when you scream, you are really saying, I love you mom! and I'm choosing to believe him.

I am proud of who you are becoming, but boy do I hold hold tight to this little nugget.


And the feet? Oh the feet are no longer really kiss worthy, but on any day if they asked, I'd probably pucker up. After all, they are my boys and there is nothing like being a boymomma.
---------------------------

Brag moment: As it is soccer season and I am a momma of 2 soccer players, we had an 8am soccer game to attend 1 1/2 hours south this morning. Elliott's team played better than they have all season and he had an incredible game. Their team talked smart and kind to each other, passed with efficiency and at the end the score was a tie 3-3. 

 Elliott = Hat Trick

Oh and you totally couldn't tell who was his momma on the sideline when goal number 3 hit the back of the net. Just kidding.

twelve and snow

brown paper, string and a winner

Congratulations to Anna and thank you for your kind words about time around the table. Shauna's book, Bread and Wine will be on it's way to you later this afternoon. Wrapped in brown paper and tied with a string, I hope the words and recipes will become among your favorite things.

Shauna is doing some fun things on her website surrounding her latest release -- personalized book plates & skype dates. Laura*, Lydia and __________ (fill in your name), I encourage you to purchase the book for yourself and schedule a dinner party. You will be pleased to do both. 


It's Monday and a new week, anything fun planned? Tonight I'm helping build a new table for dining on our deck. I couldn't find what I wanted, so I asked Mr. Ward if he'd help me build one. And with a smile and chuckle, he said yes and can't wait!

*Happy birthday, I hope today is extra special and that someone bakes you these. I know I would if states didn't separate us. xoxo

Bread & Wine ~ GIVEAWAY

Tonight the cooking club I'm a part of goes Mexican. My contributions are black beans with a kick, lime-y cilantro rice, pineapple aqua fresca and either rum to add to the aqua fresca or margaritas. I'm not quite sure. Amy is hosting and I'm looking forward to time in the kitchen and around the table with these women.

A little over a week ago, I received the two copies of Bread & Wine by Shauna Niequist, I pre-ordered months ago. Maybe I have, well, probably...yes, I have encouraged you to purchase it more than once. I knew it would be her best. And as much as I loved Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet, Bread & Wine makes me drool.

I was one of the folks who jumped on the opportunity to receive an advanced copy, promising to share about it on this little spot in cyberspace. Here I shared a little about living GF and about fasting from certain foods. I gushed about the Gaia cookie and shared a way to make it GF for those of you who, like me, are unable to have normal flour. I've tweeted about it here and there and I gave the other copy I ordered to a sweet friend.

In the picture above, you see two books. I just told you I gave one to a friend and the the other copy I am going to share with one of you. I'm sharing it because it is rich and good and life giving and healing. In my journey to the table I often struggle.

I was texting with a friend last week about life and how our hearts truly were feeling. She shared that she is blessed to have had a tiny refining in her life currently. I loved the words she chose. The very next sentence she wrote was, "The trick will be holding onto it!" I wanted to scream AMEN!

When you have a tiny refining, do you struggle to hold on to it?

The kitchen and table are places where I struggle to hold onto it. I hold onto it when I share the table. The spiritual healing and energy I find around the table is intoxicating, addictive. Mostly in good ways. Occasionally, I find that in my desire to share this with others, I over extend myself, promise more than I can handle, ending frazzled by the night's end. There are some days, I need quiet and still, just my boys and a take away meal. Other times, I crave a meal eaten alone in a busy airport or foreign alleyway, praying over the food that it doesn't upset my belly. Each table situation different. Each an attempt to hold onto it.

What does the table mean to you? I am excited to hear your words. Answer the question in the comments below between now and Sunday and you will be entered to win the other copy of Bread & Wine I purchased. If you would like an extra try, tweet a link to this post and include  @rebeccanimrod. There, you have another entry. I will announce the winner on Monday, 29 April 2013.

I'm trying to use Rafflecopter to choose the winner. Trying is the key word. I have an account and here is the widget. Hoping for the best.  a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This book is given by me. This giveaway is not sponsored by Zondervan or Shauna. It is sponsored by my belief in her work and the table.
**Contest for folks in the USA only.

HELLth Week

Part of my job includes participating daily, M-F, Sat. optional, in the GPP workouts. Even during HELLth week, especially, during HELLth week. HELLth week is a week of unscripted, challenging workouts. They were workouts I never thought I could complete, but did. It ended on Saturday and I am still sore.

A friend shared these pictures with me a couple of weeks ago. She said that she's told me my back looked like this in yoga. This is not what I pictured. Had I not known that was the shirt I was wearing, I'd have never guess that to be my back. There are muscles there I wasn't aware I had. It was the affirmation that the work I am doing is shaping me in new ways, both physically and mentally.

The GPP approach to fitnesss is different. It's balance reminds me of the balance I find when on my yoga mat. For me it is not hardcore, but certainly can be and I assume is for some. It is an approach that gives me permission to take it a little easy when I am still sore from last week's challenges, listen to my body and not risk injury. It is an approach that encourages me to go be a better human -- enough is enough. Do not run another mile or lift another weight, use that energy to make the world a better place. And, as I have now been shown,  it is an approach that is strengthening and toning my body, so I can be physically prepared to live life well.

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Make sure to stop by tomorrow. I am giving away a little something to a lucky reader. Hint: It has to do with the table. 

Happy Birthday Moses

a very excited birthday boy
21 April 2011, Northern Rwanda

\

I pray for you as my own. 

I cry sometimes, because I wonder.

Today, I remember you and this birthday we got to celebrate together. 

We went on an adventure. 

We shared a meal. 

We danced and sang and shot bows and arrows.

It was a happy, happy day.

Our hearts grew and our smiles were larger than normal, this day. 

Remember?

Happy Birthday, sweet Moses. 

I trust that the Lord has you in his protective hands, guiding you. I am choosing to believe that my prayers for you to know why the Lord created you and for you to seek after His plan with all you have, will be answered. I'm also choosing to believe one day He will reveal why He crossed our paths and hoping that one day they will join again.

I miss you Moses.

I love you, mommy

Held tight in my arms and wearing a shirt his older brothers, Elliott and Chas both wore, he called me mommy. And today, I still call him son.

swayed by advertisement

On Wednesday this:


Resulted in this:

I'm not often one to allow the ad campaign of a company to persuade me to purchase. I uses what I use, because it works, I like it and or it fits into my budget. Which means, if Jonathan has been in a nice hotel all week and they have oatmeal scrubby soap, I'll use the unused oatmeal scrubby soap left in the room, if he brings it home. I am a bar soap gal, so this works well.

After I saw the video from Dove yesterday and after I stopped crying and when I had to go to Walmart to pick up peppers, crackers and wine, I bought soap. And because I'd worked out earlier in the day and had not taken a shower and it was 5:30 in the evening, I removed the current bar of soap from the soap dish and replaced it with this.

I also tried to tell myself, in my own way, I am beautiful. It's not easy. I am one of the 96%, not the 4%. Today I will make an effort to see myself as my Creator sees me, a work of art made by a loving artist, crooked smile and all. Will you?

anniversary, how do you celebrate?

We were so good the first 5 or so years, to thoughtfully pick out gifts following the traditional gift guide.
Year one: Paper
I received a beautiful set of Crane stationery and I gave tickets to the opera. The tickets were a creative twist on paper and sacrificial at the same time. Jonathan enjoys opera, I do not. The lead was ill, they filled in for him with random people from the cast (is that what it's even called in opera?) and I fell asleep.

As the years passed and our family grew, daily life filled with practices and work and volunteer duties, we've let the traditional gifts slip. Replaced by homemade cards, a lingering lunch hour and family dinner.
It wasn't intentional, it just happened. Has this happened in your relationship or are you great at keeping your wedding date a celebration?

This year I wanted to get a gift for Jonathan. I wanted it to be from the list we used to guides us in the early years.
Year fourteen: Ivory
Awesome, celebrate traditionally, break the law. He received a card ivory in color.

Our anniversary was last week, Wednesday, but we celebrated on Sunday. The past weekend was a whirlwind of soccer and OM and sleepovers. Our boys have friends in the country for a visit, who recently moved to Brasil. Due to schedules, the only night for a sleepover was Sunday. It was my suggestion, other parents jumped on board and our kids were all late to school Monday. Who was it that said, do not let school get in the way of your education? They needed to learn about their friends new home and they did.

With only DandyDoodle in the house, we were able to celebrate homebody style -- take away sushi and my favorite champagne. The evening could not have been more perfect. We talked about the past and the future, but mostly we soaked in the present. Never in my life have I been more content. Never.

The card I gave had these words:

If I seem happy,

if I seem content,

if I seem grateful...

It's because I am -- 

and you're the reason why.

Happy Anniversary

State OM

My alarm went off before 5, so I could bake the scones which were requested for State OM competition day. The boys rolled out of bed and into the car, just before pulling out of the drive. We were headed south to Beebe. After picking up my friend Brandie and her son we were on the road. We only took one scenic route*, but truly the Ozark highways, with rolling old mountains are all scenic routes.

OM is a celebration of creativity and problem solving. I love it, really I do. It allows kids to go beyond the regular classroom and explore a variety of solutions to a number of problems. And this is done without the aid of adults. Coaches guide, that's it. They are allowed to ask questions and drive to Walmart for another package of glue sticks. Offering ideas & solutions, not allowed.

The day was beautiful, sunshine-y and warm. The campus where the competition was held was buzzing with kids whose arms were loaded with props. If I had a penny for every pound of cardboard, duct tape and hot glue used, I could pay for a tropical vacation and I'd be able to pay for you to go too. What these kids can do with items out of a recycle bin is amazing.

The team came out of their spontaneous problem solving competition, all smiles. They did well. 8 out of 10 is how they felt as a whole. They had a bit of trouble with one of their cars during their long term problem, but pulled through. The top 2 teams qualify for World OM. Their team didn't place in the top two, so no Lansing, MI this year. I am sure their team will be at it again next year.

I sure am proud of this team and thankful they attend a school which allows them the opportunity to participate in activities such as this. Here's to the end of one season and the start of another. (That other season is the collecting season of large cardboard & other trash items which could be used for props.)

Just for fun, HERE is your opportunity to participate in a practice spontaneous problem. Have fun.

*I took a wrong turn and we looped the highway, coming back to catch the correct turnoff the second time around.  

we are a family of athletes

We are a family of athletes. 

basketball

soccer

swimming

running

cycling

triathlon
gpp

We are a family of cheerleaders.

sidelines of the soccer pitch

transition of a triathlon

mile markers of rides

along the path of a fun run, 5k, 10k, 13.1, 26.2, we encourage

We are a family of volunteers.

aid stations

tournament parking

prerace cup filling

post race trash pick up

We are a family who gives big hugs to sweaty athletes at the finish line and celebrates the achievement.

We are a family who prays and feels deeply. We ask questions. Hard questions, that may not have answers and last night that was the topic around the table above. After dinner we sat around the table inside, stapling coupons to recipe cards, which will be placed in goodie bags for a 5k in a few weeks. Being an athlete is more than games and practice. It is community.

Yesterday our community was the target and it hurt. It hurt on a different level. It confused my boys. It confused me. My run this morning felt a little different. I ran with a friend who has run the Boston marathon. Today we ran because we can and we will and because we were thankful to be part of this community. 

Our family has Boston and the rest of the athletic community, especially runners on our minds and in our hearts. Together we will move as we always do, one step after the other, towards the finish line. Why? Because that's what we do. 

10 April 2013

Today I am more satisfied, happy, content and thankful than ever before.

Jonathan,
I love you and all that mushy stuff,
rebecca

my job

A few weeks ago I shared that I had a job. When I told people in person or over the phone the overwhelming response was a a chuckle accompanied smile. A few were very surprised and even one gave me an "you are unqualified" look, but for the most part when I explained what I got to do and who I got to work with they were so excited for me. I wasn't looking for a job, but when I was asked to be part of the team family at GPPfitNWA, I knew it was right. It felt right and after talking with Jonathan about it, I accepted.

I have been working on up coming events from home, but on Wednesday evening over yummy pizza and around tables our little family gathered and our GPPfitNWA Intensive Training Camp began. For the next 3 days from sunrise until after sunset we'd learn, teach, grow, eat, laugh, grunt, question, run, lift, write, celebrate, back rub, walk, cheer, support, understand, choke back tears (I was probably the only one who did that) gaining the ability to lead others. It was perfect!

Learning the GPP approach to fitness from Neil and Lizz.

This is me teaching the 6 core aspects of GPP. I was thrown a marker and told early on Friday morning to teach what I learned the day prior. No notes, just me and I did it.

Folks, it's not at all about muscles and bodies. It's about life...living a balanced life. As we strive for optimal health we seek balance in the following areas: mental, spiritual, social, fiscal, emotional and physical. At GPP we meet the physical, but believe that is only one part of the whole. I loved what Neil & Lizz shared more than once, we, GPP, develop humans. Don't go out and do another workout, go be a human. Go be a better wife or mom or student or friend or...whatever it is that makes the life you get to live better. GO DO THAT.

We led GPP workouts and participated in GPP workouts.

AND this non-weightlifting gal...Let's just say I'm learning a new meaning to the word clean. I may never love weights, but I believe there is a budding friendship.

I am honored to be a part of this family and anticipate that a few of you reading here may too. Check out GPPfitNWA and GPP fitness. If you see me at WLFC (major construction going on at the facility in Rogers) and want to join me in a workout, jump in, I'd love to have you or give the workouts a try at home on your own. If you do try them, make sure to click on the website and post a comment to the comment section. We want to hear your success.

*Thanks Chippy & Lizz for the pictures. One day maybe I'll upgrade my phone. 

Easter Poem

During the season of Lent, each Sunday our pastor has shared a poem written by a friend & member of the congregation, Wendi. Her spirit is radiating, her smile contagious and her words beautifully challenging. This is the poem shared during our Easter Celebration Service. I hope your Easter day was filled with celebration and hope and gratitude and love. Mine, ours, was. 

My Easter, Too

by Wendi Phillips

Good morning, God.

Good morning, My Beloved.

Good Easter morning.

The stone is moved, and I ask

Where are You, God?

Where are You, my Beloved?

Where are You on this Easter morning?

I go to look for You, and I sense You

Everywhere.

In the bird on my porch,

The sweet in my coffee,

The breath in my baby,

The need in my neighbor.

I sense you, but i cannot find You.

So I move. I go

To the most beautiful place I know.

I stand on the shore, and I think

I will see You here, God.

Here. On the shore of my life.

I look out over the horizon.

I turn and look back, behind me.

I even twirl a little in my pursuit

Of a view of you.

Dizzy, I boe my h ead,

And as I do I get a glimpse

Of You.

A reflection, really --

A reflection in the blue.

A reflection of your resurrection.

A reflection I fully recognize

And partly deny

Because it's mine.

How, God, can it be --

That You are in me?

You in me,

Living in me,

Resurrected in me.

"God, let this be my Easter, too,"

I wish, then I whisper, then I say,

Then I hope and I pray,

"Let this be

My Easter, too."

And, when I do, I recgonize

You rising

In me.

You alive.

In me.

You

In

Me.

"Jump, my child, jump,"

You say. "Jump in,

Come! Live!"

So I do, fully clothed,

And fully embattled with the waves,

Fully forgiven and fully redeemed and fully restored,

Full of love and full of light and full of joy,

Fully alive,

Resurrected

In full view of You,

God

And full of you, 

God.

You, God, in me,

Living in me.

Oh yes, God, let this be

My Easter, too.

Cooking Club Kickoff!

For a number of years, 5 maybe, I've wanted to start a cooking club. I talked to a few people in the last town where we lived and although there was interest, it never happened. I'll be honest, I didn't press the issue or try really hard to make it happen.

Life is different for us now. We fit, we belong and in a holistic way, since leaving Indianapolis seven years ago, we are home. We are putting down roots in soil which is fertile, not in a planter we know will be moved. Still hoping for a group of women to share time in the kitchen and around the table, I was willing to try again, this time move beyond a conversation and extend an invitation.

dream to reality

After having several conversation in the fall, in January, I finally sent an email to a few friends. After sending the email I pressed pause. I allowed doubt to creep in and began to think it was a silly thing to try to make happen. I googled "cooking clubs" and found all sorts of menu ideas and planning strategies. Some had monthly themes  and some were healthy, while a few I read about were so indulgent and swanky, I doubted my idea more. 

Then I read this book and watched this video and knew what I had to do. I sat at my computer and sent an invitation. And invitation to my home on a Friday night to share soup and wine and conversation. I heard back from most of those I'd invited. I'd prayed over the email before clicking send, I do this kind of thing often, believing the people who were to come, were the people who were to come. 

I spend the next few weeks trying to decide what kind of soup I'd fix. I'm not very great at following soup recipes, but often find success when I dice an onion and splash olive oil at the bottom of a dutch oven, add some garlic and pepper corns, broth and meat and veggies and spices.

Almost always, I'll never make it the same way again and almost always I tell myself next time I'll write it down. My boys understand this and are accepting, but would other be? I didn't know the answer, but I was ready to take that risk.

On Monday I was leaning towards a curried chicken and wild rice soup and on Tuesday my thoughts were the same. Then on Wednesday, I opened Google Reader (which Google is doing away with this summer - boo.)  and saw this recipe for Glazed Easter Ham. Darn you Pioneer Woman! I've never baked a ham. I always buy the spiral cut, precooked, allow to reach room temperature and eat kind of ham. But this was a cooking club kick off and this was the time to buy Dr. Pepper for a glaze. It was the right time to bake my first ham. I resent an email, changed the evening a bit, asking each person to bring their favorite Easter dinner side dish. And guess what? They were happy to do it. 

I wrote in the front of pink and green notebooks the words which are posted to the front of my spice cabinet and to the left of my cook-top:

one cannot think well, imagine well, play well, 

live well, 

until one has eaten well. 

cooking club, 29 March 2013

Paula came early and while she was peeling and chopping sweet potatoes we caught up, opened a bottle of wine and offered a toast. After a bit I looked at her and said, "Why aren't you using your hands?" She smiled and replied, "I'm in your kitchen." We laughed, then she said, "Why am I still wearing my shoes?"

In that moment, tongs tossed aside & her hands mixing the sweet potatoes & shoes kicked off, I knew I'd made the right decision. I knew this was the right time and the right people, then with thanks and anticipation I welcomed Amy into my kitchen. Another toast and more cheese and crackers, a new kitchen gadget and yummy candle, my heart grew more full. Jodi and Kyla were unable to attend, but had sent their regrets and desire to be there the next month. We awaited the arrival of Brandie and believed the other friend must not be able to come, as we didn't hear back from her.

Having no idea how to cut a ham with a bone in it, I took it from the oven and handed Paula the knife. I filled wine glasses and we sat around the table. In a big red bowl was Brandie's all you can eat, minty fruit salad and on a little leaf platter, Amy's deviled eggs. Paula's sweet potatoes were steamy and the cheese had migrated from the kitchen to the table.  I thanked them for making a dream of mine reality  Then I prayed, thanking Jesus for all the winks along the way, bringing these women into my life. 

And then we shared a meal.

And next month in a different home on a different night we will do it all again.

And the month after that, a new kitchen, new recipes, another...

gomers

How we fundraise for state Odyssey of the Mind.

invite, accepted; Tanked; flurries on Palm Sunday

Invitation -- accepted

Chas, had Pastrami to the door before Monroe was out of his car. The scones were still warm, coffee was dripping and I had no idea what to expect from the visitor with a cane, walking up the drive. He'd torn something in his knee a few months prior and was on the mend. While setting up a picture of Pastrami in front of the Walmart Museum, he fell and re-injured his knee.

Monroe shared a bit about his life as an art dealer and traveler. He shared that his family was in the bridal veil industry for years and how he is not a fan of American art. He said that New Yorkers are friendly to tourists and not to each other. This is because they know we, tourists, are leaving.

The visit was less than an hour and I would bet he didn't get what he came for. He mentioned that he was looking for an opportunity to shoot Pastrami in a "Beverly Hillbillies" setting and asked on the phone as I was giving him directions, if one of my boys would black out a tooth. I said no. We may live in Arkansas, but I have my limits.

Would I extend the invitation again? Yes.
---------------

Tweet during Takend on Friday Night:

@hollywoodhwife (dying...) "Mom, are you still in touch w/ Mr. Jeff's wife? Warn her, he's going to get hit in the...nuts!" - Chas, 9
— 'becca nimrod (@rebeccanimrod) March 23, 2013

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Yesterday morning I met my friend, Brandie, for a run before church. It was 7:30 and there were flurries. As I sat in the car waiting for her to arrive, I watched the tiny flakes hit my windshield and melt.  I read words of Henri Nouwen and prayed and was thankful. The flurries were a reminder to me of grace and forgiveness and the arrival of my friend was a reminder of faithfulness. It was Palm Sunday and it was snowing.

{I love that I can show up to church in my running tights, smelling like a mix of sweat and perfume and I'm still hugged. I've finally found a place to worship, with a community who accepts me for me.}

Pastrami the Dog & an invitation

Yesterday we met friends downtown for ice cream and coffee. Outside the cafe we noticed a man with a dog walking across the street. Nothing out of the ordinary, right? Well, the man walked his dog to the fountain in the middle of the square, had her hop up on the edge & pose with a hat on her head. My friend and I quickly called the kids over to watch, then sent them out to say hello. We live in that kinda town & I love it and am so thankful.

It turns out, he travels the world with is dog, Pastrami. He's in town from New York for the Battle of Pea Ridge reenactment which will happen this weekend. He asked the boys if they'd walk with him down the street to show him a mural on the side of a building, to which my friend and I said sure, why not. We stayed in the cafe, out of the snow that was falling and finished our coffee.

C asked me to write my email address, so their new friend could email the photos he'd taken. I did. Last night a kind note and 6 pictures arrived in my inbox. I replied with an invitation for him to join us for scones and coffee this morning & told him we'd love to hear more about his story. Oh and Pastrami, she's welcome too. I think DandyDoodle would love to have a 4 legged friend visit.

When you feel prompted, do you open your door or do you think I am crazy? This morning I am asking myself how many stories I've missed. Missed because, out of fear I didn't offer an invitation & take the time to bake scones and pour hot water over freshly ground coffee beans.

*photo by my pal, brandie

spring.

My house needs detailing, like an automobile.
That's all.

I called it.

Before the Pope was named & he chose his new name, I had a short conversation with a friend/ mentor/teacher. I shared with him my hopes for his name choice, Francis. Francis is my favorite saint.

A rebuilder.
A lover of all.
A servant.

When they announced his name, I couldn't believe it! I wanted to open a bottle of champaign and share it with Rick. But he was in Illinois and I was late to a meeting at my boys school; both problems. The cork popping will have to wait.

Today more than any other day, I wish I were a catholic. I stood in my kitchen and out loud, recited the Our Father in English, as he prayed in Latin. I smiled and I wept. My emotions were a surprise to me.

I'm not sure if it's proper to wish catholics, Happy Pope Day, but I am.
Happy Pope Francis the First day.
May he lead well and the favor of God rest upon him as he serves.

#IWD

Finding myself extra thankful today for those who I have been able to share smiles and hugs, when words couldn't be exchanged. There is a language women across the world speak from the heart when it is open and willing. Today I am celebrating these moments. 

to those who have walked before me and with me and carried me

to those who will share moments in the days ahead, smiling and laughing, holding hands and crying

to those whom I admire and those who challenge me 

to abi', missy and ayanna, my grandmothers and aunts and cousins and sisters in law

to mallory

to juls and anna

to anna & jus and laura and dana, dita & sandy and teak & jamie jo and amy, chandi, paula & brandie and molly, petti, jolly, sabila and nyiramana

to beaulah, a woman who inspires me to be better, facing every situation with prayer and thankfulness

especially to, my mom who taught me about grace, forgiveness and the power of redemption

i love you.

i am thankful for you.

i celebrate you.

happy international women's day.

Odyssey of the Mind - Regional Competition

(Warning: I'm beat, but I want to share about some fellas and one lady I'm super proud of. I'm not sure my sentences will flow together. Go ahead and let the chuckles begin, as I share about Odyssey of the Mind. But remember, I was on a team who went to world finals in high school. You can laugh about that too.)

This is my team of OM boys. Out of the team of six only one had participated in prior. It was a year of much learning for each, myself not to be excluded. Last Saturday we traveled south 40 minutes to compete on a regional level. Unfortunately, my team did not qualify to move ahead, but I believe most will try again next year. So proud of this little team of 2, second graders  3, third graders and 1 fourth grader who gave their best.

The other group I'm especially proud of was made up of 1/3 Nimrod.

Chas and Elliott's team getting ready to begin.

Part of their skit as they shared their Pet Project solution in a skit. 

STATE BOUND! Their team ranked 2nd in spontaneous problem solving and 4th over all, earning them a spot in Arkansas Odyssey of the Mind competition. 

And yes, I absolutely believed one, if not both teams would qualify for State. Naturally, I came prepared with sparkling grape juice to celebrate. 

it's ok to gasp

i

have

a

job.

(one where i will be paid)

that's all.

just wanted to share.

Breakfast Cookie #breadandwine @sniequist & others

My kitchen 5:51am, 27 February 2013

In her book Bread and Wine, Shauna shares about Aaron's learning his body does not tolerate gluten. I remember her sharing this story with me in a conversation and as she spoke, inside I was gasping. How could one live* without big loaves of crusty bread and warm scones and Stacey's wheat tortillas? At that time I was not aware the GI issues I was experiencing would lead down the same path: Gluten Free Diet.

I write in my books. When I read a powerful or beautiful sentence, it is underlined. When I receive a call in the middle of reading and need to jot down a number or email addy, I write it on the page where I am reading. Grocery lists and dreams, struggles and to do's can be found on pages in books I own. This paragraph has a pencil mark around it with a heart in the margin. It is full of truth and love and power...
The heart of hospitality is about creating space for someone to fee seen and heard and loved. It's about declaring your table a safe zone, a place of warmth and nourishment. Part of that  then, is honoring the way God made our bodies, and feeding them in the ways they need to be fed. (p.101, Bread & Wine, by Shauna Niequist)

While reading this chapter I couldn't help but think of a meal we shared recently feeding the following diets**

Vegan

Gluten Free

High Protein

Corn Free

Soy Free

Dairy Free

Egg Free

Sugar Free

We prepared all sorts of dishes and each person ate what they were able to eat and not a single person walked away hungry or feeling like a burden because their body is different from another. Some may have scrapped the dinner altogether, but we looked at it as opportunity. An opportunity to cook together, share conversation and live life. It was a fantastic evening, highlighted by the vegan at the grill, flipping steaks.

I enjoy dinner and lunch, but I love breakfast. (We had breakfast for dinner last night.)
Especially, I love sharing breakfast.

We are, on most mornings, a sit at the table and eat breakfast family. I don't often sit with them, as I'm packing lunches and making another round of eggs or pancakes. I do try to sit for a few sips of coffee, as we share our dreams from the night before, read from Jesus Calling and talk of our activities for the day. Even if I may bake cupcakes for dinner on occasion, I've not made cookies for breakfast. Healthy cookies for breakfast, anyway.

At the end of the chapter Shauna shares a recipe for a breakfast cookie, a GF breakfast cookie. I am not an avid "pinner" and at times, maybe poke fun at the site. The past few weeks there has been little traffic on my boards, including 2 breakfast cookie recipes. I read the 3 recipes last night in bed, pulled from each of them and this morning for breakfast...
...Breakfast Cookies (preheat convection oven to 350)
In a food processor, blend until smooth
2 bananas
1/2 cup apple sauce
large splash of vanilla
1 tablespoon mixed spices (I get this in RW, so a combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)
pinch or 2 of salt, I probably used 3

Pour in a bowl and add the following and stir well:

1 overflowing cup of puffed rice
1 overflowing cup of puffed millet
1 scant cup of GF oats
1/2 overflowing cup of unsweetened large flaked coconut
3/4 cup dried apricots, cut into thirds (you will enjoy the large pieces)
3/4 cup walnuts, just broken, not chopped (again, the large pieces are a great treat)
Place large spoonfuls on silpat or greased baking sheet for 15 minutes
This dough does not stick together well before it is baked, so it may require squishing a bit once placed on the baking sheet.
-----------------------
I received this from my one of my dearest friends, Anna, over the weekend. If you or people you love, live a life free of gluten, you must watch. It's hilarious!


------------------------
* In case you are wondering, life without crusty bread and warm scones and Stacey's wheat tortillas is a little less tasty some days and difficult others, but much, much more comfortable.
** When I use the word diet, I am not speaking of weight loss diets. I am speaking of the food we use to nourish our bodies in the best possible way we know and are able.

Gaia Cookie via #breadandwine from @sniequist

For the next few weeks I'll be sharing with you a book I received in the mail a couple of days ago. I've mentioned it recently, encouraged you to order early and now I'm telling you -- CLICK HERE, order now and come over for dinner or breakfast or snacks. Especially today.

I've heard Shauna rave about the cookies from Gaia Cafe in Grand Rapids for a number of years. Her  books, her tweets, blog posts have not been void of their greatness. I've never been to Grand Rapids, therefore I've not been to the Gaia Cafe and have never had a Gaia Cookie. The truth is that if I were in Grand Rapids, at the Gaia Cafe, I'd not order a cookie. Why? Flour.

I am coming off of a 40 day fast, which I will write of soon, and my belly isn't happy with me. I'd never felt better 8 days ago and after this weekend I'm planning to have a very restricted diet for a long, long time. Not for weight loss  although Jonathan experienced that during the 40 days, I did not; but for energy and sleep and happy belly and less of the cranky-s. Next week, the cookies I made this morning will be off limits. Eggs, sugar and butter are on the list of foods which will be avoided.

But it's like Fat Tuesday for the entire week, upset belly and all. Naturally, I've had batter and 3 cookies already and will eat at least 3 more before the sun sets tonight. Maybe 23.

In the chapter to which the recipe follows, Shauna shares of her cooking club and their efforts to share what they have with others by holding a garage sale with the bonus bake sale. "...shortbread and pumpkin cream cheese muffins, homemade granola bars and caramel corn, dulce de leche brownies and Gaia cookies..." I'd have left the sale having pushed away my hopes of a discarded ice cream maker, in exchange for arm fulls of baked goods.

Together they raised one thousand dollars to give to the Care Center at her church. I love this. I love the way we are each gifted and our gifts, when utilized to their potential hold together the world God created. These women, gifted in the kitchen with spoons and baking powder, butter and love (it makes all the difference, truly) fed countless people. They fed them the day they shopped for bargains and they fed them through the Care Center. What are your gifts? How can you use them to make a difference? Will you?

Back to that cookie, because it is the best of the best of the best I've ever made in my kitchen. I'm not kidding. After batches of trying, I have perfected a gluten free chocolate chip cookie. It is delicious and it's mine and it can be yours if you want. Just ask. This cookie -- it tops the chocolate chip cookie. Barely, but after just one batch, it has earned the rank.
{Wish we were neighbors?}

To make it for me and for others who must avoid gluten, these are the changes:
2 C Flour: 1 C brown rice flour, 1/2 C coconut flour, sifted, & 1/2 C tapioca flour
1 C granola cereal: 1 C my homemade GF granola (I'll share that recipe later this week)
Add 2 teaspoons of xantahn gum to the dry mix
I baked them at 350 in a convection oven for 11 minutes. I let them cool on the baking sheet for 3 - 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack. Often gluten free baking falls apart. Nothing holds together like wheat flour. I've found the cooling before transferring, helps.

I'd love to hear from those who are gluten free and try this recipe. I promise you will not be disappointed. My only disappointment this morning is this -- there are 626 miles from my door to Shauna's. If I were to hop in the car and start driving, I'd only deliver crumbs. Instead, I'll eat another cookie and drive to the gym. It's freezing with a freezing rainy mix falling from the sky. It only makes sense to eat cookies and drink black coffee on my way to run like a hamster in a spinning wheel.

--
In case you are wondering where the rest the recipe can be found...right here, chapter 29, what money can't buy. Or stop by my home today and I'll share.

dinner on the fourteenth

with my valentine and my boys and my parents, we shared a special dinner around our table. truly a wonderful evening.

ny strip
rib-eye
salmon
&
roasted red potatoes and onions with sage
garlic-y green beans
&
warm from the oven, bread (gf for all this night)
&
chocolate covered strawberries
&
sparkling with a splash of chambord
sparkling white grape juice

My Valentine.

From my phone.