An Askew Review

Jared's day went askew. He has borrowing Alex's truck while in town and the engine seized! That certainly changed the trajectory of the day. He spent hours by the time the truck was towed to our mechanic, the mechanic looked at it, we coordinated what to do and finally, the tow truck picked it up again from the auto shop in Anchorage and brought it out to our home...if anyone knows where Alex can buy a new engine, he's open to suggestions. 

This is a fun diversion as we wait for breakup to take effect. Our last frost is the end of May so it will be a while before I'm planting seeds...but I'm dreaming. I've asked everyone to mark seeds which look fun to try. 

I am contemplating planting a pumpkin patch this year in part of the garden. Parents could bring their little ones to a safe location to pick a pumpkin, we could serve hot chocolate, apple cider and cookies in the yard.  My problem is figuring which pumpkin variety will grow up here and when to plant it to have it in October....because we might have snow by then so maybe I should aim for a fall pumpkin patch in September????? What to do? 

Jamin was out this way showing a house. It's always fun when his little white hybrid shows up in our driveway. Often, he sits out there for 10 -15 min before he comes in - phone calls. We laughed as he kept having to deal with business calls while we visited. He's just back from a conference/vacation in Florida. Jamin has 9 houses sold or pending in 2022 - that's great for 2 months. 

My first walk of 2022! I want to get back into my routine of walking 3 -5 miles a day. I've had trouble fitting it in with my caregiving schedule...and it shows. ::snort:: I like to walk in the mornings, but no one is around to stay with Dad.  Allie was heading out for an afternoon walk and invited me to go with her - perfect. It is about to start getting light earlier and earlier and I will soon go EARLY....because I have to go and be back before Dad wakes up. 

We continue to love our study times together, which spill over to dinner conversations from time to time. This week the girls and I discussed hinderances to being used of God....jealousy, rejection, insecurities, resentment...as we looked at the life of Saul. 
 

We pulled lessons from David's life to illustrate how to handle our internal struggles. Hard to believe we've completed week 4 of this study. It's time for me to begin looking for the next one. Locally we are on week 2 so there is a bit of wiggle room. 

This is the perfect night to watch Dispicable Me 2. 

Smokey Salmon Chowder

Our first year in Alaska I asked everyone I knew for salmon recipes. Sandy shared her Salmon chowder recipe (Original recipe). I have made enough changes that it's time to note the new recipe.  I'm often asked to share the recipe and now I won't have to say here it is and I do this and that to it. It's now a smokey Salmon concoction. Canning it was not a success.  Of course, I think this tastes best with wild Alaskan salmon caught at the mouth of the Kenai river...but you can use canned salmon as well. 

Even our fish haters take seconds of this soup. 

Note: This makes a large (6 qt) pot of soup filled to the tippy top.

Ingredients 

6 T butter

1 1/2 C chopped onion (Large onion)

8 garlic cloves (less if you don't love garlic)

1 C chopped celery

2 tsp garlic powder

4 C diced potatoes

4 Carrots, diced

4 C chicken broth

2 tsp salt

2 tsp black pepper

4 tsp dried dill weed 

2 - 4 pints of canned smoked salmon (or 2 - 4 16 oz cans or, 2lbs salmon filet) *

2 (12 oz) can evaporated milk (in a pinch use any milk; I've used almond milk)

2 -3 C frozen corn 

1 - 2 (8 oz) block cream cheese, do one and see if you want more

2 - 4 caps of liquid smoke (if you aren't using smoked salmon) again start with 2 and adjust

Directions

Melt Butter. Sauté onion, celery, garlic and garlic powder until onions are soft. 

Stir in potatoes, carrots, broth, salt, pepper, and dill. 

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes.  (If using uncooked salmon filet add at this point and it will be cooked in the allotted time. 

Stir in salmon, evaporated milk, corn, and cream cheese. 

Cook until heated through.

Recipe Notes: 

I provide shredded cheddar cheese at the table as the original recipe called for it. Most don't add it. 

If you don't want it smokey, don't use smoked salmon or add the liquid smoke. It is still very good; we just think this takes it to the next level. LOL 

Sesame Chicken

 

I always forget and mix the sesame seeds in rather than sprinkling on top

I found this recipe and it's been a hit with the family. The other night I made a single batch of this, and orange chicken and it fed 7 of us well, with enough left over for a couple to have some at lunch the next day. I found this recipe on Dinner at the Zoo.  This ones for you, Beth. 

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 eggs beaten
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• oil for frying

For the sauce

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar (I use Monk Fruit or a Stevia/Erythrital blend)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Instructions

• Place the eggs, salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir to combine
• Place the flour and 1/2 cup of cornstarch in a shallow bowl or on a plate. Stir to combine.
• Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then into the flour. Repeat the process with all of the chicken.
• Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350 degrees F
• Add 7-8 pieces of chicken to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken
• Drain the chicken on paper towels
• While the chicken is cooking, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in a bowl.
• Heat the teaspoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the honey sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until just thickened.
• Add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve.

Notes

The sauce can be made up to two days before you plan to serve it.
This last time I used Tyson Popcorn chicken, baked the chicken and skipped steps 1 - 6.  Because sometimes I need a quicker meal.  I've also done this with un-breaded chicken. I liked it; family likes breaded better. 

Nutrition

Calories: 392kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 123mg | Sodium: 1648mg | Potassium: 518mg | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 270IU | Vitamin C: 2.8mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1.9mg

This One Knows Her Japanese

This is a red-letter day for our girls! ANOTHER Mommy Story - you know those stories where I shamelessly brag on our kids? 

I've mentioned before Stacia now meets with her Japanese tutor twice a week. Our goal is for her to go as far as she possibly can before she graduates next May. Her heart is drawn to Japan. We have no idea how God may use this interest. It may be she lives in America and intercedes or supports the Japanese church. It may be she lives in America and is somehow involved in the expat Japanese community. It may be she will be a missionary to Japan and bake as a side hobby. It may be her idea of a Christian cafe will provide doors to relationships with citizens in Japan.  It may be she will own a Christian bakery and cafe in America and Japanese will be her hobby.  Only God knows which strands he will weave into the tapestry of her future; or how He could weave ALL of them into the tapestry. He knows. We are encouraging and equipping her to pursue her passions. Those seem to be business, Japan, baking and cooking. 

Today was Japanese class. She knew there would be a test on the material she has been studying. Kim surprised her by finding a COLLEGE test on the material. Stacia got 97 out of 99 questions correct!  She's about to have the distinction of having gone the furthest of all our kids in their Japanese language study. Though I hear Arielle has taken up her studies again. 

And still there are TP shenanigans. ::snort:: 

A Milestone Reached

 WooHOO!!!! 

Allie's grades for the first half of the year are submitted  We're about to turn in the 3rd quarter work samples.  Her transcript is looking strong.  Her FAFSA application is complete. She has written, edited and submitted a college application essay.  And TODAY? 

TODAY she uploaded the essay, added references, checked over the application again....added my credit card info to pay the fees....

and JUST.LIKE.THAT. Allie has applied to her first college! We are so proud of her. There may have been a bit of cheering.  

We aren't sharing which University she has applied to until we hear back. She does not have the 4 math credits (higher than Alg 1) which they require.  She, Michael and I decided it was important to her for her transcript to accurately reflect what she has done. Therefore, we rejected the suggestions of how to kinda/sorta, get 3 more math credits crammed into one year.  She was honest, admitted the weakness in her transcript and pointed out the steps she has taken to rectify the issue...taken Pre-Alg and Alg 1 in 1 1/2 years.  She asked to be accepted and to take remedial math to catch up. 

We couldn't be prouder of God's work in this gal! 

Yes, we have a plan B. She has about 4 more colleges she is considering and if this continues to be an issue, she will enroll in math classes at the local college and apply next year to her first choice as a transfer student. There is CERTAINLY more than one way to skin this cat. 

I had found this program and shared it with Allie. Allie's ASL tutor/mentor shared a list of colleges with good BA in ASL and Interpreting programs. The top program recommended from the community of interpreters is the college Allie and I had been researching. We encouraged Allie to apply to her number one choice now and see what God may do. 

This was a goal Allie hesitantly mentioned in the first months she joined us. We committed to helping her reach her goal...and it brings us GREAT JOY to see her actually APPLYING TO COLLEGES!

God is faithful. God is faithful when he works as we expected. God is faithful when "life" throws us a curveball and he works in ways we certainly didn't expect. We can trust him with the hard good in our lives.

Join us in rejoicing with Allie over this milestone reached. And then there's toilet paper...

Ah, the prodigal TP has returned....

Toddlers and Young Adults

Look who I got to hang out with this morning. 

I'm not sure if I mentioned it here, but Arielle is the new children's minister at Farm Loop Christian Center.  She will serve kids in K-5th grade with weekly Sunday School during 1st service and children's church at 2nd service.  It's been pretty exciting for us to see how God has taken Cory and Arielle's season of preparation and moved them both into ministry positions in the past few months. Arielle can do a lot of work from home but will be going into the church on Tuesdays. Today, I had breakfast with Danny and Benny. We played a game....and then Benny asked if we could watch a movie. He said it was scary and he'd need to hold my hand! My heart. Who could resist cuddling on the couch with a 4 yo and holding hands? We started watching Monsters and Aliens - but never finished. 

Danny was quite proud of being able to walk in my shoes! They are pretty special crocs! 

Toilet Paper shenanigans continue - at least the TP has moved back to the proper room. LOL 

Most afternoons last week and this week have found Allie and I at the table. We're crossing things of "the list." Today, we finished the FAFSA. She's pretty excited to see her goal within her reach. Those are the Allie folders...11th and 12th grade, college stuff and tax stuff. LOL 

It's been a day full of paperwork and checking things off lists. We managed to finish Stacia's taxes.  Stacia is busy trying to line up interviews with Food Truck and Cafe owners. The girls needed to conduct interviews of those in various career fields they are considering. I know she's lined up an interview with a baker and kitchen manager. She's working on a cafe owner. The food truck has been a bit harder to nail down. 

Into ever Junior/Senior's life a bit of SAT prep must fall. The girls are spending lots of hours prepping for their first run at the SAT. 

This is what March looks like here. The snow is slowly melting. Our deck railing had frost this a.m. instead of snow.  We've got a ways to go before the snow is gone...or bulbs begin to sprout. BUT our days are up to 10 hours of sunlight...

Stacia and Allie went for an outside walk today. I longed to join them, but Michael was gone, and no one was here to stay with Grandpa. I am DETERMINED to work out a schedule so I can begin doing miles outside again. I LOVED this for the mental health as much as anything else. Stacia ran Millie around until she was so tired, she simply plopped down for the evening. 

It's been a great Tuesday - which for some reason - felt like a Monday. 

LOOK Who Is Here!

I have a bad habit of running around without a coat when it hits 20* which sometimes leads to sniffles.  I came down with a bit of congestion on Saturday. I stayed home as it seems the loving thing to do with so many worried about the big C.  Michael, the kids and Grandpa went to church. Can you IMAGINE? While I know many would give anything to have a home as bustling as ours, for just this morning, I totally enjoyed the silence...no call bells, no laundry, no noise at all. Blessed silence. I had home church - and it was good. 

I was refreshed and READY for all the people who popped up the rest of the day. 

Josiah and Livie met Michael and the girls for lunch. They actually showed up here at home before the rest of the gang. It was nice to spend an hour or so catching up.  Their inspection and appraisal are complete, with no hiccups! I think they're right on track to close in a couple of weeks on their darling home. 

Allie and I had a zoom with her ASL mentor. She is working one on one in order to pass the Sign Language Proficiency Exam. This is a hoop Allie needs to jump through on her way to her future.  I am AMAZED how God is placing the right people in our path at just the right time. I wasn't happy with the suggested ASL course last summer and went in search of other options. We took a chance on one others recommended. Everyone I met had used it for elementary, no one for high school. In the midst of completing not only the course I signed her up for, but three others, Allie caught the eye of some folks placed fairly prominently in the local deaf community. They are excited to help Allie prepare for her future. During the zoom I was told if we joined a different charter school, we would get a $4200 allotment for Stacia next year. We currently get $2400. I'm not sure if we'll switch. Things to think about. 

Look who also showed up? 

WHAT? Jared is here? Yes, Jared is up this week for his job. He will be spending the time in Eagle River with Jamin, but Jamin is in Florida and so we got him for tonight. Krista picked him up and brought him out, so we got a bit of connecting time with her as well.  

Bre and the kids called and asked if they could come over tonight. OF COURSE.  Laughing, games, talking, ice cream - all the fun. It was good. 

Annie (3) ran right to Jared. She gives the BEST hugs (below). Jared had asked Bella how old she is now, "Almost six." 

Annie jumped into Jared's arms and said, "I'm almost 6!" 

Three? Almost six? It does go in the blink of an eye!

 It turned into a great day! The first day of a new week!