Taking Time...

Being a stay at home wife has brought several new opportunities over the past several months.  I continue to seek the Lord for His direction for our future.  It's been great to volunteer at events, meet new people, get involved in programs and projects and find new ways to reach out with the time I've never had before. 

It's also a time of learning once again to wait for the Lord.  That was the anthem and theme of my single years... "Wait for the Lord. Be strong, take heart and wait for the Lord. (Ps. 27:14)"  Little did I know that waiting for the Lord doesn't end when you get married.  And it can take on so many different meanings... should I pursue a new career? should I continue my education? etc., etc. 

One of the unexpected blessings of this time in my life has been the opportunity to read more.  I love biographies and autobiographies.  I have found myself so engrossed in the stories that I have a hard time putting each book down without finishing it.  I've literally went through more books in the past few weeks than I did all of last year.  And what a JOY it's been!

Two of the stories that have really been interesting and encouraging to me in different dimensions are...

1.) Decision Points by George W. Bush

It took me a little longer to get through this book, but it was worth it.  I was most amazed by his determination and focus to protect the U.S. citizens from another attack following 9/11 until the end of his presidency.  Also, it was amazing to hear of his compassion and all that he did for the world in fighting AIDS and all that we didn't know that happened by the U.S. Government in preparation and following Katrina. 

We saw President Bush speak last year at the Life Centers event.  And he was relaxed.  It felt like you were talking with a friend in your living room.  I've read somewhere the difficulty of being the most powerful person in the world and how it can effect one's character.  However, President GWBush seemed very willing to accept his new role with poise and dignity and was very open about his faith.

2.) Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman

She was so honest in this book.  The stories she shared about her marriage and how God continues to change her heart were inspirational.  The stories of their adopting three Chinese girls and losing one in an accident were amazing and  heart wrenching. 

Mary shares how she knew what she wanted in life, and it was all very ordered and predicable.  and then came God.  From her experiences, she's had a heart to help others in the process of adopting overseas children.  And once her daughter passed away, she's overseen a project of building a home for children with special needs.  God's love continues to pour out of her and her family's lives even in the midst of their pain.

A New Coat of Paint!

My friend and I attended a Pottery Barn class about paint and colors.  A Benjamin Moore representative conducted the class and gave a coupon for a free can of BM paint afterwards. 

We've been talking about adding a little more color in our living room by painting an accent wall.  This was the perfect opportunity.  I'm happy with the outcome.  It helped us come up with a few new wall decorations and a new furniture arrangement for the room also.

BEFORE


AFTER


We also added a wall transfer in the room, which I've been wanting to do for some time.  I'm very pleased with how it turned out.  Helps complete the room, and I love having the verse in the room as a reminder for our family to keep our eyes on Christ.

Shaker Lemon Pie

I recently tried a new recipe from America's Test Kitchen.  They test all kinds of variations of the same recipe and share what they believe is the best on the show.  This episode was about two pies. 

I decided to try the Shaker Lemon Pie first since lemon desserts are my husband and dad's favorite.  I look forward to trying the Strawberry Icebox pie in the future. ... if you're reading this, you'll have to let me know if strawberry desserts are your favorite to come taste test it with us! :)








p.s. This is very lemony and great with a scoop of Vanilla Bean ice cream!

Shaker Lemon Pie


From the episode: Two Perfect Pies
You will need 6 tablespoons of lemon juice for this recipe. Have an extra lemon on hand in case the 3 sliced lemons do not yield enough juice.
Serves 8.

Ingredients
1 double-crust pie dough (I use Pillsbury crust from the refrigerated section of the grocer.)
3 large lemons , sliced thin and seeded (see note)
1 3/4 cups sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon heavy cream

Instructions
1. Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a 9-inch pie plate with 1 dough round and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Squeeze lemon slices in fine-mesh strainer set over bowl; reserve juice (you should have 6 tablespoons). Bring drained slices and 2 cups water to boil in saucepan, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until slices are softened, about 5 minutes. Drain well and discard liquid. Combine softened lemon slices, sugar, salt, and 1/4 cup reserved lemon juice in bowl; stir until sugar dissolves.

3. Whisk cornstarch and remaining lemon juice in large bowl. Whisk eggs into cornstarch mixture, then slowly stir in lemon slice mixture, then slowly stir in lemon slice mixture until combined. Pour into chilled pie shell. Brush edges of dough with 1 teaspoon cream and top with remaining dough round. Seal, crimp edges, and brush top of dough with remaining cream. Using paring knife, cut 4 vents in top of dough.

4. Bake until light golden, about 20 minutes, then decrease oven temperature to 375 degrees and continue to bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on wire rack for at least 1 hour. Serve. (Pie can be apped in plastic and refrigerated for 2 days.)

Friends

It's been great catching up with friends in recent weeks.  A girl can never get enough girl talk... and I love hanging out and making new memories.


  Rachel, Megan, Jamie and I with Santa. ...celebrating my and JP's bdays. But the highlight of the day was definitely Megan's baby news!!  So excited for her and Zach and their families.
 


Amy, Mary and I have gotten to enjoy some quality time together. Mary's daughter is so precious too! She has big, dark eyes that are adorable.  It's been great to pick up right were we left last time Mary was in town. ...dear friends.

Stephanie strutting her stuff.

Mary showing her delightful cupcake.

Aunt Amy clapping with Stephanie.




Sadly, I didn't get a picture of the girls, but this is a stained glass I especially liked at Midland Arts and Antiques.  The Mayes girl cousins get together occassionally and always have a good time together.  This time, we visited a huge warehouse full of junk and treasures.  We spent three hours going through booths full of any and everything.  It was a great time out, and I hope to visit the other antique shops Janna told us about soon too!



  I made Paula's Dean's recipe for peanut butter chocolate swirl cookies for the bake sale at a fundraiser for the Brockman's family.  At this event, we saw new friends and old. It was so good to catch up with people who I had known from church years ago.  I even saw girls that I had babysat when they were younger. 

The event was a huge success and so well organized.  There was a chili cook off, bake sale, corn hole contest, silent auction and raffle.... all raising over $6,000 for the Brockman family. 

Amanda Brockman is a few years younger than I, and we went to church together (and went on a movie date to see Monster's Inc. together!).  She and her husband are expecting their second child any day now.  And the fundraiser was for their two-year-old named Elias who is fighting cancer.  Such a brave boy and we're all praying for his recovery and God's strength for all of them during this time.