Saturday, March 03, 2012

"The Week"

This week took on a life of its own. 


The typical weekly events occurred: PWOC, PYOC, drama, chapel events, baking, cooking, cleaning, dental appointments.....


Ministry continued for both Michael and I...inside and outside of our home. 


Tuesday evening we received an email that Michael's father had been taken to the hospital on Sunday. We spent much of the rest of this week skyping with various family members, emailing family, checking in with nurses and nursing home staff and researching options for Dad Earl's long term care. He simply cannot bear any weight at this point. Mom Mary will not be able to care for him. 


My parents are busy getting our trailer fixed so it can be used if others visit Crescent City. Thanks, Mom and Dad. 


Josiah and Jamin are figuring out the best timing to visit Grandpa. Bre and Krista are happy to have gone down a couple of weeks ago. They've also helped us discover options near them for long term care and living arrangements. 


A joy has been that we've simply MADE time to talk each day with Mom Mary on the phone. Sure school starts later, Michael has to be up earlier....but it's been good to hear her heart and know firsthand how she is doing. We love skype.

A fun point of the week.....year's ago....like 9 1/2 years ago...a 8 yo boy had a favorite toy.....
TAZ.....Taz had first been Jamin's toy...Jamin gave him to Jared one year for Christmas. Taz had gone on many camping trips with us....but alas, somehow on the move from San Antonio to Alaska...TAZ DISAPPEARED! Jared has always had a theory that one of the packers stole him.  I assured him Taz would show up when we unpacked but he never did.

I have looked all these years for a Taz just like this one.....but never found one.....Jared posted the above photo a few weeks ago on his FB...Being a TCK (third culture kid) is hard...no child should lose his favorite toy in a move...or have his parents assure him it will turn up - and it not....

I went online one more time....and couldn't find the exact Taz...though I thought I had....


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

Turkey Sausage Lentil Soup (Healthy Cooking)

I don't usually follow a recipe - but I thought it may be a novel snowy afternoon activity. 


8 C Water
1 pkg (16 oz) dried lentils - rinsed


1 pkg (19.5 oz) turkey sausage (casings removed and crumbled - I used some turkey I had)
2 medium onions, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 medium carrots, cut into 1/4 in slices
6 garlic cloves, minced
3 cans (14.5 oz ea) beef broth (Used veggie broth)
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (used diced)
I med potato, diced
1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 1/2 tsp coarsely ground pepper
I added 2 T dried Italian herbs - until I liked the look and taste
No clue what this is but a few shakes of this zipped it up!
Bring water and lentils to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 18-22 min or until lentils are tender. Drain.

In Dutch oven, cook sausage, onions, celery, carrots  over med heat until meat is no longer pink and veggies are tender.  Add garlic and cook 2 min longer.

Stir in broth, tomatoes, potato, seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce  and simmer uncovered 15 - 20 min until potato is tender.

Stir in lentils and heat through.  Serve with croutons and a shake of cheese if desired.

Stacia said this was "Beeee licious!"

Nutrition facts - 1 1/3 C equals 314 calories, 6 g fat, 17 g fiber, 24 g protein

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