11 Things We've Learned

1. If something in the house is missing, check the backyard.
2. If they say they've brushed their teeth, don't assume they used the end of the toothbrush with the bristles.
3. They really do like to play babies, even if they say they don't.
4. The fear of abandonment is a real thing.
5. You can't assume anything, such as knowing you can't open an umbrella in the car while driving.
6. Speaking the same language is not essential for most communication.
7. If someone eats toothpaste, it comes out the EXACT same color. Gross.
8. Tennis shoes are a treasure when you've never had them before.
9. Routine is a must, especially if there's a communication barrier.
10. Imaginations can be developed even at the ages of 3 and 4, especially if there's an overly imaginative 7-year-old involved.
11. When you don't think your house could possibly get any louder, it can.

Recipes: Tomato Pie

Ingredients:
4 tomatoes, sliced
10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 c chopped green onion
1 (9-inch) prebaked deep dish pie shell
1/2 c to 1 c grated mozzarella
1/2 c mayonnaise
Salt and pepper

Directions:
Place the tomatoes in a colander in the sink or on paper towels in 1 layer. Sprinkle with salt and allow to drain for at least 30 minutes.

Combine mayonnaise, basil, and green onions in small bowl. Line the bottom of the pie shell with cheese and bake for 8-10 minutes. Then layer the tomatoes and spoon mayonnaise mixture over each layer. Should be about 3 layers. Sprinkle cheese over top and bake 30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm.

Here's the actual recipe from Paula Deen. I cut about 500 calories out. You're welcome. ;)

Blessing for Today, Promise for Tomorrow

I was reading in 2 Samuel a few days ago where David is fleeing for his life. He cries out to the Lord to be rescued. In the midst of his trials, he writes beautiful, encouraging, promising Psalms like this one from Psalm 40:1-3...

"I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord."

The devotion that morning said, "How David must have rubbed his eyes in astonishment as he saw God provide for him a table "in the presence of his enemies." Can you cast your mind back at this moment to something special that God did for you to demonstrate His tender love and care? Every Christian has these times - how sad we forget them so soon. God never does anything special in our lives for the sake of the passing hour - it's done also as a pledge to the future. It's as though God is saying: "I'll do this for you now, not only to meet your need, but also that you might always know you are the object of My love."

If new dangers startle us with fear, we have forgotten His past mercies. How David remembered God's consistent love and deliverance. One reason I'm so glad we keep this blog is so we can look back and see His past mercies. Like this one or this one or this one. God is faithful EVERY SINGLE TIME.

I read somewhere else, in reference to 2 Timothy 2:13 which says, "If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself," that everything about God is vast and incomparable, including His faithfulness. He never forgets a thing, never makes a mistake, never fails to keep a promise, never falters over a decision, never retracts a statement He has made, and has never breached a contract. Every declaration He has made, every promise He has given, every covenant He has struck is bestowed by His faithful character.

I Love Cats

Jon just watched this dumb e-harmony video on You Tube about cats. This is what Ben Z did after he saw it. LOVE catching this stuff on video. Hilarious!

Happy Birthday Paw Paw!

Happy Birthday Paw Paw! I love how Jack gets tickled when they say Poppy instead of Paw Paw. :) We love you so much! We CAN'T WAIT to see you!!!

I Love You Dis Much