Menu Plan Monday

Dave bought me this for Christmas (actually we didn't exchange gifts this year, but he bought it for my stocking, assuming it would fit. It didn't.) But I am so happy to have it...and I think I'll try some of the recipes out this week!


Homemade Pizza with Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, Red Onions, Tomatoes, Olives, Feta, Mozzarella Cheese (had this tonight - yum! The recipe in her book is just for the dough. The toppings were just what we had on hand :)

Seasoned Roast, Baked Potatoes, Fancy Green Beans

Marlboro Man Sandwiches, PW Mac 'n' Cheese, Brett's Salad, Mocha Brownies

Spinach & Artichoke Dip and Chips, Bowl of Grapes (New Year's Eve Party)

Date Night!

Spinach Quiche, Tomato, Onion & Cucumber Salad with Balsamic Dressing, Crusty Bread

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Sherried Tomato Soup, Brett's Salad, Spicy Molasses Cookies

Evening hike up Lighthouse Road

We spent our first day at the beach, recovering from the 10 hour flight the day before. There was a 4 hour time change too, so the kids were up before the sun was. We really can't complain though...they did amazingly well on the plane, beyond our expectations, really...and besides, Dave got a chance to take some great shots at sunrise.

We stayed at Bellows Air Force Base on the eastern shore. The little military cabins there kinda reminded us of the housing quarters that The Others had (for all you Lost fans, out there). Cream colored little boxes, scattered along the beach. It was so nice to be so close to the water! We could easily nap babies when they needed it, without having to plan ahead too much. Made for a very relaxing time!

That first evening Michael suggested we go for a hike. I'm so glad he came on this trip - otherwise, I'm pretty sure I would have stayed on the beach the entire 8 days. :) But he kept us moving, and a lot of the activities he suggested ended up being my favorite stuff of the whole vacation.

On the southeastern tip of Oahu was a paved trail leading up onto a cliff with a beautiful ocean lookout. We hiked for a half hour or so to end up with this view.









"Cousins!"

Austin yelled this every time we met up with them, even if we had only been apart for a few minutes.




Sunset over the mountains.




Sweet daddies who carted these 2 all over the island.




And a sister that I don't get to see nearly enough of...



...made for a wonderful day.

Sunrise in Hawaii

We just got back from an amazing family vacation at Bellows Air Force Base on Oahu. The whole week was a display of the beauty and creativity of God - it is so beautiful there!

Tiny vantage point

Christmas photo - check! I love having a photographer for a dad!

Right now, it's quiet time in our house - the youngest 2 are napping, and I can hear Ethan's soft voice as he reads aloud on my bed. Cracks me up how he can't read silently yet! Today was library day at school, and that means new books to read!!! I so hope his love for reading continues.

I thought about taking a nap too, but this morning's passage has been on my heart, begging to be written down. I love how God's Word pierces sometimes...

Been thinking about how a right perspective enables me to give thanks in all things, all the time.

Hebrews 13 was in my reading this morning:

"For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name."
Hebrews 13:14-15 (emphasis mine)

Continually? I was so convicted by that word today...does that really mean in everything? the mundane tasks (the kitchen floor that needs to be cleaned again and again), the difficult seasons (a child who does not want obey), the strained relationships, the pain and sadness of life, death - can I honestly give thanks in these things, Lord?

Even hard things can be a platform where I can stand in humble appreciation of the One who suffered outside the gate for me (v.12 - love this verse!). He suffered so that I can be set apart for Him, so that my life can have eternal significance!

This world is not my home. I am seeking a city which is to come.

That's really it, isn't it?? All of the joys and sorrows of life have deeper meaning than what I see on the surface. Reminds me of the chorus in Andrew Peterson's song about heaven...

There is more
More than all this pain
More than all the falling down
And the getting up again
There is more
More than we can see
From our tiny vantage point
In this vast eternity
There is more

Oh, Lord, help me tie all these things together in my mind! Give me Your perspective, so I can teach my children how to live this way too. As those who are seeking a city which is to come...