one year later

My life has been filled with good as of late. Long phone calls with distant friends, long over-due yard projects begun with great help, and even long late night drives with Jarod and the kids to pick up a garage door for the "man cave." One year after our house purchase we are beginning to do things like paint our front screen door, clean windows, and cut down ugly trees... oh and randomly remodel the garage. The emergency stuff is behind us (at least we hope - we'll see after the first big spring rain) - and the house is a bit less of a monster. Although, when asked if we wanted to renew our home warranty, Jarod declined, saying, "What else can it cover? We have almost all new appliances, have replaced the hot water heater, boiler, and reached our max on both plumbing and electrical." Those will be the famous last words.
But honestly, a year later the noises of our home are very different. Where there was once the constant beat of a hammer and hum of a sander, there are children running and laughing, students studying and playing ping-pong, and tonight Jarod's Bible study - where I here men debating - so it must be good. Where there was once the worry over "if things are going to work out" - now we only wonder how we can share the blessings of our "family approach" with others.
On Sunday we had an open house and as I wondered through the three floors seeing the students who had worked so hard cleaning and preparing food - smiling and serving as they shared from their culture, I felt such a deep sense of "ok". These students that God has sent us are perfect... and the people He sent to make it possible are amazing. One Year later, I think this thing is gonna really work. And for me that is optimistic. And for me - that in itself is a miracle. When asked in wide-eyed wonder at the progress, "are you done??" All I could respond was, "No - we will never be done - but we are ENJOYING it."
So now, on to my biggest worry. What birthday cake should I make for Salah tomorrow? I was planning a Mississippi mud cake but that has marshmallows, and they have gelatin, and gelatin may contain pork - so that's out. Who knew? You live and you learn. And from 10 diverse birthdays a year - my "festive meal" and cake repertoire is growing - in this good life I learn a lot - EVERY day. Below are just two of the yummy recipes that I just love.

Crock pot Philly cheese steak sandwiches. So EASY - great for a big crowd... when you triple it!!

Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs beef round steak
1 medium green pepper, sliced thin
1 medium onion, sliced thin
1 (14 oz) can vegetable broth (can use beef - I've even used chicken in a pinc h)
1 envelope Italian dressing mix
1 large loaf French bread, siced into sandwich lengths
6 slices provolone cheese
How to make it

Spray crock pot with cooking spray
Cut meat into strips, place in slow cooker
Add green pepper, onion, broth, and dressing mix
Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours, or high 3-4 hours
Spoon meat mixture onto bread, top with a slice of cheese
Another option is to toast bread in a 375 oven for 5-10 minutes, add meat, cover with cheese, then bake an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.

Irish Brown bread. A Quick bread that doesn't taste quick and can be made from ingredients on hand! (Because I still struggle with bad feelings toward people who make yeast breads twice a week.... but I do love homemade bread!)

This simple crusty brown quick bread is one of the most popular Irish bread recipes and gets its hearty flavor from whole wheat flour and rolled oats.

Yield: 1 loaf (about 1 3/4 lb.)
Ingredients
1  cup  all-purpose flour
2  tablespoons  sugar
1  teaspoon  baking powder
1  teaspoon  baking soda
1/2  teaspoon  salt
1 1/2  tablespoons  cold butter or margarine
2  cups  whole-wheat flour
1/4  cup  regular or quick-cooking rolled oats
1 1/2  cups  plain nonfat yogurt
Milk
Preparation
1. In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until mixture forms fine crumbs. Stir in whole-wheat flour and oats.
2. Add yogurt; stir gently. If mixture is too dry to hold together, stir in milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, just until dough holds together; it should not be sticky.
3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured board and knead gently 5 times to make a ball. Set on a lightly greased baking sheet. Pat into a 7-inch circle. With a floured knife, cut a large X on top of loaf.
4. Bake in a 375° oven until well browned, about 40 - 50 minutes. Cool on a rack. Serve warm or cool.


Some happy folks at the open house!




My amazing father with chainsaw art and smile... people keep asking how many trees we have taken out. I don't want to count... but when you have to build a mountain around your basement, where there used to be a mote - you have no choice but to chop' em out.



And finally... last week, Marrina's birthday was a success - the week before Jude's was a success - two week's before mom and Saad's birthday party went on while Jarod and I spent the night in the ER (by the way - got that bill - it wasn't pretty - but insurance sure is a blessing!)... and now on to Falafel and pita for Salah... all we are missing is the cake!