Monday, December 17, 2012

Family Fun


Six days post op - to say our winter isn't going the way we planned would be an understatement...but we are finding joy in the days with Michael at home.  We're not doing as many errands, not really doing a ton of school - enjoying the down time. 


We talked about Jesus being the Bright Morning Star in family circle. I thought it would be good to do two more Advent Clues tonight as we are so far "behind." Michael reminded me that Christmas begins 25 Dec and we can simply keep opening these gifts in the 12 days beyond Christmas...so tonight is the last two gift night. LOL 

Clue Number One, "Of wizards and dwarfs." 

Nolan found this one next to Lord of the Rings...

Stacia isn't so impressed with a little notebook 
Clue Number Two, "While waiting to go somewhere, I can be kind of stinky." 

One of my favorite parts of Advent Clues is watching the kids' thinking process. The youngers headed AGAIN to the bathroom, then the laundry room, then they raced upstairs. Nolan and Arielle found it but left it until they found it....finally.....


This looks to be a fun game. You role dice and if you get "forget it" you lose all your points....at least that is what I figured from watching.

He's up...he even went for a little ride with me today...didn't get out of the car...and is still plenty sore...but up, had dinner with us, we did family circle in the living room instead of bedside...all big steps.  I didn't realize he was taller than our little BX special tree. ::snort::

I'm off to join everyone settling in to read a chapter or two of Cooper Kids before turning in for the night. 

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

German Lentil Stew

Recipe is from Happy Herbivore Abroad, a cookbook I hope to own by the end of January. ::hint:: Lindsay's recipes are plant strong, no animal products, and no oil. I've enjoyed them all - mixed reviews from the family. 


Ingredients: 
Small Onion diced
2 garlic cloves - minced (I used 5 or 6)
1/2 tsp Cumin
1 1/2 tsp ground coriander - divided 
2 Carrots
1 C Lentil
1 Potato (I used 2)
3 C Veggie Broth - divided
2 tsp Lemon Zest
fresh parsley - garnish

Directions: 
Line the bottom of a warm skillet with water or broth - add onions and garlic and saute for 1 - 2 min.

Add 1/2 tsp of Cumin and 1/2 tsp of Coriander and stir to coat onion mixture. Add a splash of broth to pan if the veggies are sticking.

Add carrots and cook 1 min.

Add potato, lentils and 2 C broth. Stir to combine, cover, bring to a boil, LOWER HEAT and simmer until lentils are done. 30 - 40 min.

Add remaining coriander, lemon zest and 1 C more broth - you may want to add more broth to make it soup like...or leave it like this and eat it as a casserole?

Heath through, garnish with fresh parsley if desired. 

Note - Arielle and I liked this though we agreed we'd like more seasoning. Michael said it tasted like Curry - he doesn't like curry. I do think I'll make it with more seasoning again.  

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...