Girls' Homecoming

Eleven p.m. found us in Hachinohe awaiting the arrival of the "girls." Over 24 hours and they made it home. 

There just aren't words. We're thrilled to have them home for a couple of weeks. Originally, the plan was to have all four of the older children come out for Jared's graduation. Jared decided not to have a ceremony, the boys have new jobs and timing didn't work...but the gals came out anyway and we plan to enjoy....and show them Japan at a time when it isn't under 3 feet of snow. LOL


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

They Made It!

• TnT I Thess 3:11-13 May the Lord direct our way together, may he cause you to increase and abound in love for all, may He establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father....
• Michael's Day off -  we have two events to attend ::snort:: This is what it looks like from his desk....a day off is an oxymoron. LOL
• Fun to attend a medal decoration of one of our chaplains - then spent a bit o time doing a touch of work at the chapel.
• Between events - Micahel and I grabbed Subway and took it to the ocean. Always fun to visit with my boyfriend. Lots to talk about as God gently moves us to new seasons.
• Girls should be touching down in Tokyo in one hour....so much pent up excitement!
• Catholic Parish Appreciation Dinner
• Retreat work night
• 12:14 a.m. and we're home with the girls. Seven Gherkins at home. Photos tomorrow.

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

White Chicken Enchilada (Cindy's)

This is my friend Cynthia's recipe! It's a keeper. 

12 corn tortillas (I used flour)
1 cup heavy whipping cream (I used 1/2 n 1/2)
2 cups Mexican blend cheese
3 cups chicken, cubed and cooked
1 large onion, sauteed
1 cup roasted red bell pepper strips (canned) or fresh red pepper
4.5 oz can chopped green chiles
12 oz cream cheese, cubed

Mix chicken, onion, red peppers, green chiles, and cream cheese together.  Spread equal amounts onto each of the twelve tortillas.  Roll and place in 9x12 baking dish.  Slowly pour whipping cream over the top allowing it to soak into the shells instead of running to the bottom of the pan.  Sprinkle Mexican blend cheese over the top.  Bake at 375 for 20 minutes or until warmed all the way through.


Next time I will use low fat or fat free cream cheese and maybe decrease to 8 oz from 12 oz...other than that I'm not sure what else to do to lower the calories and cholesterol in this one...but it is YUMMY and  filled my craving for White enchiladas. LOL  Below the info made with my substitutions. 

More of our favorites are at the recipe tab above. 


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

Boys Day

I've written about Golden Week and "Children's Day" or "Boys Day" before.  Now - Girls have a day to be celebrated - Hinamatsuri on 3 March. No one questions that March 3rd is "Girls Day".  I plan to buy Arielle and Stacia a set of hinamatsuri dolls before we leave Japan. I best remember that NEXT YEAR. I'll blog more about it then. 

  Traditionally, May 5th, is "Boys Day" - but in 1948 that was changed to "Children's Day." Nevertheless, my Japanese friends up here continue to call it a BOYS DAY celebration. Late in April or early in May "Carp Flags" or kites begin to show up. Traditionally a big black one for the father, a red one for the mother and then different colored ones for each son.  I also plan to buy koinobori (carp flags) before we leave.  Here are a few shots of koinobori that a friend in Okinawa took, which I borrowed.

Carps, according to legend, swim upstream and become dragons. Koi (carp) are symbols of a boy's strength and determination.

Another symbol for Boys Day (which is literally 5th of May but I can't quite remember all the Japanese) is the kabuto (samurai helmet). This is also a symbol of strength.

Last night Akikosan brought paper for us to do some seasonal crafts.

MY carp had a bit of personality....

We all made kabutos but Nolan got the big one

Check out the snacks.....

Dried Ramen noodles, Strawberry Crunky, mouse shaped consume flavored puffs, star shaped chocolate treats!

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

Shhh....don't tell!

About a week ago I cleared off the shelf between the dining room and the kitchen and declared I wanted only my pretty things on it (as opposed to baseball gloves, screwdrivers et al).  Stacia has been sick and unable to go outside. She's repeatedly commented, "Oh Good - the flowers are back."

Alrighty.

Today she got to go outside and came in with a handful of dandelions for me. My first of the season. She asked where to put them and I told her to let me think of a great place for them. She put them where the pretty things go. (Yes, I save that "vase" for offerings from the young ones).

Shh....she's my LAST BABY and will turn 7 this summer. Please don't tell her they are weeds. I love these little gifts and soon will not be getting more.

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

Busy Day

• TnT - I Thess 2:7-12 - When Paul shared the gospel he shared his very LIFE with those around him.  He called others to walk worthy - like a Father would.
• So many books ~ so little time.
• Emails from the dearly departed - one of the joys of moving all the time. 
• MOPS tea - all our gals did a GREAT job of sharing their journey to Christ's side. It was a blessing.
• Working on a resource packet for retreat - Sanctus Diem (Holy Moments)
• Akiko lessons tonight....Fun to write about but for tonight....these treats....

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

School, Wii, Spiritual Disciplines and Chicken Salad

• TnT I Thess 1.....this town turned from false idols to serve a "living and true God" based on a presentation of the gospel which came not just in words but in power, in the Holy Spirit (led and guided by), with full conviction and accompanied with an authentic and proven example of Paul, Silvanus and Timothy. May I present the gospel in the same way to those who I influence. 
• Table school done, sick kids shouldn't be out, wii on. 
• Arielle and Nolan are on their last week of school - will they finish before the girls arrive on Friday? 
• Working on a packet of prompts for our hour of silence at the retreat....
• Working on a  resource packet for spiritual disciplines....excited at the resources our speakers are sending (4 of us are sharing the sessions)...it's going to be good! I can't wait to hear these ladies! To pour out and to be poured into - a good balance. 
• 9:00 p.m. better pull my head out of retreat and go make chicken salad for MOPS's tea tomorrow. 
• Slicing grapes in 1/2 is time consuming. 
• I do miss veganaise.

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