NEW BLOG

It seems that we have reached our quota of images we can upload on this blog.  And we still have tons to upload from our European adventure.  So, we decided to start a new blog.  Soon it will look exactly like this blog!  It's just part two!  However, the blog address is different, so make sure you go over there and bookmark the new one and become a follower!

http://gombojavfamily.blogspot.com/

We've already started uploading pictures and witty commentary of our trip over there.  So, go leave us a comment so we know that you've made it!  We don't want to leave any of our beautiful and faithful readers behind!

GO.  NOW.

Summer has (obviously) not been about blogging

It's been a long time since I've let so much time elapse between blog posts!  I have several undeveloped posts swirling around my right-brain.  But, the left-brain is still MIA, so nothing much has gotten accomplished.

Actually, though, July has been beautiful.  Peaceful.  Relaxing.  Lovely.

June had us swept up in so many activities we scarcely caught our breath from one exhilarating event when another was upon us!  But July swished itself gently in and we all breathed a sigh of relief.  I valiantly held the reigns on our schedule (that's my job, isn't it as manager of this tribe?) and did not commit to any meetings, field trips, park days, or classes.  It was tough, let me tell you!  But, in exchange for this hard-fought effort, we gained a month of laying on the grass, playing in the sprinkler, obsessing over homemade ice cream, grilling out, camp-outs in the tree house, sleeping in, staying up late and having something I've never before understood--those lazy days of summer.  Ahhhhhhhhh.  Refreshing.

So, here are some updates in no particular order of importance or in any sort of timeline.

~We celebrated my brother and sister-in-love's eleventh anniversary by attending their vow renewal ceremony.  They renewed their vows on the same day and at the same time as they did eleven years ago.  I considered trying to squeeze into my bridesmaid's dress, but thought better of it.  There is such a thing as dignity.  (A phrase that I will use again before this post is over.)  The day was super blessed.  I wept, of course.  It was a hard fought victory, these 11 years.  I am proud of Josh and Serena for standing when the whole world was telling them to give up.

~So, I've been absolutely obsessed with making homemade ice cream.  It all started, I think, when we watched It's Complicated.  The movie itself is pretty forgettable.  But, the food was rather inspiring.  Meryl Streep's character makes ice cream when she cannot sleep.  In the movie they eat lavender honey ice cream, the result of her insomnia.  So, a couple days later I was shopping with a friend in Silverlake and went to the Spice Station.  It's my new favorite place.  Gift ideas for Christmas, my birthday, Mother's Day, Send A Gift To Your Favorite Blogger Day include gift certificates or gift sets (they have one entirely of about nine different kinds of salt!) from there.  I promise to cook something for you.  Anyway, while we were there I bought an ounce of organic lavender.  The next day I created lavender vanilla ice cream.  Because it involved not only my children but some that I was babysitting for a friend, I used this method (but not this recipe). Kids had fun kneading it.  Normally we make our ice cream in a Donvier Chillfast which we picked up years ago (at a yard sale?  I seriously cannot remember.  It's an older version, though.).  The great thing about this ice cream maker is that it does not require salt, ice, electricity or elbow grease.  It's super easy.  I pop the ice cream in the freezer while I'm tending to lunch or dinner and every so often I give it a spin.  In the last five days I've made ice cream three times: lavender vanilla, blueberry rum, and jasmine green tea.  In fact, as I type this blog post I'm eat the jasmine green tea.  It's my favorite so far!  Tomorrow........we'll see.  I have several flavors I want to try.  I will keep you posted, most likely on the Gomboblog, which is where I usually talk about food.

(Image from here.)

~OK, so I was in the park playing with my children recently, making small talk with other parents on the playground.  More than one mom asked me if I was at the park for the free lunch.  Let me insert that I was aware of the government's school lunch program and that it goes year around.  In our previous neighborhood (we just called it the 'hood, if you know what I mean) the community center promoted the free school lunch program through the summer.  I naively assumed that was because we lived in a lower-income neighborhood.  However, we do not now live in a lower-income neighborhood.  Curious, I took the kids to the "free lunch."  The picnic area of the park was roped off and stereotypical school lunch ladies were there with food carts and hairnets.  On the rope hung signs that said "NO PARENTS ALLOWED BEHIND THIS POINT."  Well......you know me.  My inner response was something like H.E.Double-Hockey-Sticks No!  I marched on through.  Each of my children--including the baby was handed a small brown cardboard box which contained a piece of microwaved-in-its-plastic-wrap-cheese-pizza, milk (which Meg insisted "tasted funny"), a fruit roll-up and a snack-sized bag of carrots.  No signing in required.  No verification of age (anyone appearing under the age of 18 gets a lunch).  No verification of income or residency.  So, I positioned my kids at a picnic table, baby still in the stroller.  I sit down with them and start opening up the milk cartons, pizza, etc.  A lunch lady on a power trip comes over and informs me, "You are not allowed to sit down.  You can stand behind your children, but not sit with them."  My initial response was to stand up.  But, something inside me said, "What the?!"  So, I sat back down again.  The lunch ladies glared at us and circled the tables making sure that no food was sneaked into backpacks or purses and that no adults attempted to take any bites.  No food is allowed to leave the roped off area.  Anything not eaten, whether or not it was opened, has to be thrown in the trash can.  We could see with others that the lunch ladies really enforced this rule.  Strictly.  The whole atmosphere was really intimidating and unfriendly.  And the beauty of it all is that this is happening all over town at several different parks and community centers.  Theoretically, I could eat as many lunches as I could fit in about a two hour window, by going place to place.  Is it any wonder the State is bankrupt?!  Your tax dollars at work.  A couple days later I told the kids that we were going to the park.  Luc said, "Are we going to eat that free lunch again?"  Gana said, "No son.  There is such a thing as dignity."  When Luc gave him his puzzled face, Gana explained, "If you are willing to be treated badly in exchange for something just because it is free, you don't value yourself."

~My best friend and her wonderful husband just gave birth to their second baby boy!  He's beautiful and I'm so happy for them!  I wish I could be there to snuggle him in person.  As I can't the Lord will have to do it for me, through my prayers.

~My mother sent me this blog post: 50 Summery Things To Do For Your House.  It totally inspired me today.  It somehow kicked me out of autopilot and gave me such joy for making my home beautiful and scrumptious.  I had a blast today, adding little touches here and there and livening up this place.  It has sent me meditating today, as I puttered around, about what it means to be a homemaker and not just a housekeeper.  I think there is a blog post on this theme in the works.  Left-brain, come in Left-brain.  Do you think we could schedule in some blogging time for the right-brain? 

Ordinary Days

This exactly fits my mood and meditations lately.  A perfect continuation from this post.

Before you hit play, get your handkerchief.  If you click play before you do so, don't say I didn't warn you.




H/T: Starr at Lost In Laundry

A *HEART* THIS!!!

My mom sent me this image from here because she said it reminded her of me.  I adore this.  The poet/photographer has a delightful blog: http://lastdayofmay.blogspot.com/.

Visit the Gomboblog....

....I finally posted something new!

And it's about a giveaway! 

What are you doing still reading this?  Go to The Gomboblog already.














Enough already.  There will be no other information here.  All the interesting stuff is over there.













Go now.

Thanksgiving Dozen

(Click here for more Random Dozens.)

1. Are you sticking to traditional Thanksgiving foods this year, or are you being culinarily adventurous?

I think there is always a little bit of both at our table! My mother, sisters, and I all like to cook (and to eat!), so there are the family favorites as well as some tasty new dishes. This year I am in charge of drinks and appetizers. I'll try to take pictures and put them on the Gomboblog!

One of our traditions is Carrot Souffle. I started making this in Mongolia when I felt just needed something orange during the holidays! I couldn't find any yams, sweet potatoes or a pumpkin. Then a friend shared a recipe with me for carrot souffle. It has become a permanent part of our celebration. If it is not on the table there will be protests from my brother, sister, and my son!


2. Tell me something concrete that you're thankful for. (Something you can literally touch, see, etc., not a concept like "hope.")

I'm thankful for my husband. He's been working so hard lately in his business and striving to finish up his degree. I'm so proud of him.


3. You knew the flip side was coming: Share about something intangible that you're thankful for.

I'm thankful for what the Lord is doing in families. I love seeing people stand for the healing of their families and seeing breakthrough. In this time in history we are standing at the forefront of the battle. Every day that we stay married, that we love our families and refuse to accept an artificial substitution for God's perfect plan we are making strides in the heavenly realm.



4. Share one vivid Thanksgiving memory. It doesn't have to be deep or meaningful, just something that remains etched in your memory.


Two Thanksgivings ago my brother was restored to us.


5. What is one thing that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is going to happen this Thanksgiving because it always does, year after year?


We will read our "Thankful Leaves." Leading up to Thanksgiving we write what we are thankful for on leaves--one each day. On Thanksgiving the house is full of colorful paper leaves with reminds of all the good things in life!

6. Do your pets get any left-overs?

We do not have any pets, we have children. LOL! But, we'll be at my folks' house this holiday, so I'm sure their pets will get some.


7. Does your family pray before the big meal? If so, do you join hands while seated, stand, repeat a formal prayer or offer a spontaneous prayer? Who does the praying?

Yes, we'll pray. We always pray before meals. My dad will probably read a passage of Scripture first and then spontaneously start belting out an oldie such as "Give Thanks" or "I Need Thee". All his children will share an amused look across the table and join in whole-heartedly.

8. Will you be watching football in the afternoon? If not, what will you be doing?

Well, I don't know that I'll actually be doing the watching, but I'm sure it will be on. Gana has turned into quite the sports fan since moving to Southern California! I don't necessarily like watching sports, but the sounds of it on in the background makes it feel like Thanksgiving!

We'll also play board games, read books, and watch movies.

9. There are two distinct camps of people on this issue: How do you feel about oysters in the dressing/stuffing?

I'm in a third distinct camp: Stuffing is disgusting. Let's face it....it's soggy bread. Move on.

10. Do you consider yourself informed about the first Thanksgiving?

Yep, pretty much. I'll probably read this to the kids on Thanksgiving.

11. Which variety of pie will you be enjoying?

I will be having them all and any other desserts that are offered. I'm sure there will be several choices.

12. Do you feel for the turkey? (This is a humorous throw back question related to the 12th question in another Random Dozen!)

Hmmmm.....

Yes and no. I was nearly a vegetarian for several years, but my health was not so good, so I eat meat nearly every day now.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DEAR FRIENDS!!!

More pictures of Citizenship Day!

My mom, Lady Dorothy, just blogged more pictures and highlights from the day Gana took his oath. There are some really cool pictures over there! Go check it out!

I love to eat. Is that a crime?

Not yet.

But former Food and Drug Administration head, David A. Kessler, might convince you that I'm a victim. Of what you ask? Of food that tastes too delicious.

In his new book, The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite, a New York Times bestseller, Kessler poses the idea that food scientists have engineered their food to be too tasty to resist. And I guess we who sit in the drive-thrus waiting for our iced vanilla chai lattes are the victims of mind control.

He calls Snickers "extraordinarily well engineered" because the three big triggers are there, i.e. salt, fat, and sugar. And it's designed so that we experience them all at the same time! It's this synchrony that is the problem. Dr. Kessler says that individual ingredients aren't potent (is this a new discovery? Since when have you craved a cup of flour and or a pinch of salt?) but when they come together they tap into our brains' reward systems. It stimulates our desire to eat and then we want more--more than we really need.

Being that Kessler is a big bureaucratic mucky-muck, I am suspicious of this "taking control" mumbo-jumbo. In his years at the FDA, he accused big tobacco of deliberately making nicotine more addictive. That of course has led to more and more restriction of tobacco. If he takes the same approach to food, are they going to start taxing my goat cheese? Will chocolate chip cookies and banana cream pies be controlled substances? Will Sweet Maui Onion Kettle Chips be sold behind the glass at the store? Sweet mercy, I hope not.

Dr. Kessler calls today's foods "highly complex and loaded with layer upon layer of stimulating tastes that result in a multisensory experience for the brain." (PRECISELY DOCTOR! That's why cooking is an art!) He goes on to say that food companies design food for irresistibly. "It's been part of their business plans."



And to that ground-breaking discovery, I only have one thing left to say:

Maybe Obama's not as black as he thinks....

.....'cause Universal Health Care is something white people like.

If you are offended by this, you probably don't come from a completely multi-racial family like I do. 'Cause me and my peeps thought this was off the chizain! Hilarious!

Here's a teaser:

Stuff White People Like: #94 Free Health Care

In spite of having access to the best health insurance and fanciest hospitals, white people are passionate about the idea of socialized medicine. So much so that they have memorized statistics and examples of how for-profit medicine has destroyed the United States.

But before you can exploit this information for personal gain, it’s important that you understand why white people are so in love with free health care.

The first and most obvious reason is “they have it Europe.” White people love all things European, this especially true of things that are unavailable in the United States (Rare Beers, Absinthe, legal marijuana, prostitution, soccer). The fact that it’s available in Canada isn’t really that impressive, but it does contribute to their willingness to threaten to move there.

Read the rest here.

I love to scribble!

Ganeida has lovingly presented me with the Superior Scribbler Award! Thank you!




Here are the rules:



Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.


Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.


Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.


Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!


Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.



I pass this adorable award to:


Karen at Only Sometimes Clever
~Beautiful thoughts on homeschooling, worship, family, and gluten free living.



Christy at Midwifery Ramblings
~Passionate and challenging thoughts on pregnancy and birth.



Bonnie at Extended Hope
~Finding healing and wholeness after abortion.



Susanne at Living To Tell The Story
~Grateful and graceful living.



and


Civilla at Civilla's Cyber Cafe
~thoughts on family and womanhood and inspiring looks into the past.

Remember The Silent

My friend in Melanie, a pro-life activist in Mongolia, wrote a good piece today that goes along with what I posted yesterday. Please check it out! Her perspective is very good.

Remember The Silent

Hungry?

"A peasant's lunch" and "poori"--new meals to drool over on the Gomboblog.

Blog Warming Party and Giveaway!

Click here to visit amada's blog-warming party and enter to win a year's subscription to the Old Schoolhouse digital magazine! or copy and paste: http://fisheracademy.blogspot.com

And I get another entry in Amy's contest by doing the following little meme:

On your blog write about your 3 favorite things about homeschooling, and one thing you'd like to change about your homeschool.

Favorite things:

1. I love spending time with my children. I would weep if they were away most of the day, every day. They are such great people that I want to spend time with them.

2. We get to tailor our school calendar to suit our family. I think I'm taking at least a whole month off when the baby arrives.

3. I love seeing their eyes light up when they become enlightened about something amazing.

One thing I'd change:

If I had the space I would love to have a school/craft room. As it is I have craft supplies under the bed, the chore chart in the dining room, the desks are in Meg's room, etc. Unsightly and not very convenient.

On The Gomboblog....

Recipes for Grilled Asparagus with Roasted Garlic Toast and Balsamic Vinaigrette and Cherry Coffee Cake.

YUMMY!

A beautiful story you need to read....

My Mom over at Daffodil Dreams has blogged a very touching and true story of an Divine Appointment this past weekend.

I don't know how to sum it up, but just to say it involves my mom's tender heart and my parents' willingness to love everyone, especially this man, whom my parents had never met before Saturday:

Please go read this lovely post she quite simply called "Bob."

Are you DESPERATE?

I'm desperate for a nap, for a dishwasher, for a pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks. I'd dearly love a soak in the tub, a day with no chores and tea with MaryBeth.

But, most of all, I guess I'm getting more and more desperate for God. There is a increasing thirst in my house lately. It seems like we just cannot get enough of His presence. It's a good place to be because those that hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.

Another giveaway, this time at Biblical Womanhood! Win this new book, "Passionate Housewives, Desperate for God." The contest ends tomorrow. SO HURRY, HURRY, HURRY!!

Another Contest at Five Minutes For Moms

This time it's for a PINK Digital Camera! Enter here. My mom, Lady Dorothy, actually did win something in the last giveaway from Five Minutes For Moms! Yea, Mom! Now it's my turn to win something, I think!

Hurry over, the drawing is October 26.

Free is Good

Enter to win a free PINK(!) Dyson at 5 Minutes for Mom! They'll pick a winner on October 1st. So hurry over!

It's Greek To Me!

Today was Gana's final class for the summer quarter! Yea!

For those that don't know it has been a challenging summer. Gana has been taking a Greek language intensive. It's 12 units in 10 weeks! Add to that that he is learning Greek in English, which is already his third language. To learn your fourth language in your third language is tough! He's done now and has done well! He won't get his official grade for a few weeks. But, as of last week he had an A-. Now we are looking forward to three weeks to relax and spend time together. Time together--a precious and rare thing this summer!

To celebrate we invited his whole class and professor over for lunch after the final exam. We had, what else, Greek food!

I love Greek food. It was so yummy. And I overdid it a bit in the preparations. We have tons left over. So, we are going to share it with our cell group tonight. If your in the area stop by for some stuffed grape leaves and hummus!

I thought I'd share some great recipes with you. I tried some new recipes today, which is always risky when entertaining. But, everything turned out really well. Big risk, big payoff! Enjoy the refreshing flavors of the Mediterranean!

Baked Shrimp With Feta Cheese -- Gharithes Me Feta

2 medium, thinly sliced Onions
1/2 cup Olive Oil
2 lbs., peeled and coarsely chopped Tomatoes
chopped Parsley
2 teaspoons Salt
1/4 teaspoon Pepper
2 cloves Garlic
2 lbs. raw, shelled and de-veined Shrimp
1/2 lb. Feta Cheese
Parsley

In a frying pan saute onions in olive oil until tender. Add tomatoes, chopped parsley, salt pepper and garlic. Cover and simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally. Put sauce and shrimp in 6 scallop shells or individual fireproof dishes. Crumble feta cheese over shrimp and bake uncovered in a very hot oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked and cheese is melted. Garnish with parsley.

I did these in a casserole dish, rather than in individual dishes. It was a crowd pleaser!

Chicken Keftedes

1 lb Ground Chicken
1 Pinch Mint (To taste)
1/3 Cup Onion (Minced)
1 Pinch Oregano (To taste)
1-2 Pinch Pepper (To taste)
2-3 Pinch Salt (To taste)

Mix all the ingredients together, seasoning to taste. Form into small patties and grill. Recipe can easily be doubled for parties or other festive events.

I just did these in a pan on the stove. Turned out really good.

Greek Pasta Salad

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon white sugar
2 1/2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
3 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
15 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup sliced red bell peppers
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 (4 ounce) can whole black olives
3/4 cup sliced pepperoni sausage, cut into strips

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, basil, oregano, black pepper, and sugar. Add cooked pasta, mushrooms, tomatoes, red peppers, feta cheese, green onions, olives, and pepperoni. Toss until evenly coated. Cover, and chill 2 hours or overnight.

(I used Pene instead of macaroni. I wanted the texture to hold the flavors of the dressing. It worked very well. And looked better than macaroni would have, I think.)

Tzatziki

INGREDIENTS
1 (32 ounce) container plain low-fat yogurt
1/2 English cucumber with peel, grated
1 clove garlic, pressed
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS
Stir together yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl. Add lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper; whisk until smooth. Pour into a serving dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate 8 hours before serving.

Tel-A-Village

In the comment section of the previous post, my sister gave the web address for Tel-A-Village, another wonderful use for TV! Check it out!

My sister served in Indonesia with this ministry and I know it's still close to her heart.