Pardon my blog absence and please excuse the lack of routine postings. However, I feel confident you will easily forgive my shift in priorities. I have been calling the maternity ward my second home over the past week and a half as my dear friend Kori (along with her husband, Jon) has been fighting for her precious baby's life.
Smith Randle Bailey was born twelve weeks premature on Thursday, April 29, 2010 @ 3:14 AM. He clocks in at a mere 1 pound, 8 ounces and measures 12.5 inches long.
Words cannot describe the surreal feeling that overwhelms me as I viewed pictures of this fragile life while at the hospital. His little diaper is no bigger (if even a bit smaller) than a pocket-size pack of Kleenex. It truly is a miracle he is even here and ever breath that he takes (be it with or without assistance) is God breathing for and through Him.
We serve a sovereign God and the faith demonstrated over these past eleven days has been an encouragement and has strengthened my own faith. There is no doubt that Christ has conquered the grave and we have no fear in death.
I'm typically not so blatantly public on the blog, especially when it comes to other people's lives, but I thought I would make an exception. If you are reading this, I ask you would join us in prayer for baby Smith, Kori, Jon and the entire family.
1. That he will have no bleeding on the brain. That usually happens within the first week if it’s going to do so.
2. That his lungs would begin to produce a fluid that they need for him to breathe on his own
3. There is a vein in the area of his heart and lungs, a connector vein that normally closes up on its own in full-term births. We need that vein to close so he will not have to have surgery.
4. His blood sugar needs to stay at a stable level; little or no fluctuation
5. His blood pressure needs to stay up and stabilize
6. Wisdom for all the nurses, doctors, specialist that work on Smith
7. Jon and Kori – for strength to face the coming days
The family's prayer all along for Smith, Kori and Jon has been Psalms 105: 1-11. We have, in prayer, “looked to the Lord and his strength and sought his face. We have reminded him of the promises he made with Abraham and that they are ours because of Christ. We have asked for our portion (vs. 11) of that promise; nothing more, just our portion.”
We continue to ask and claim this for Smith, Jon, Kori and our entire family.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tasty Tuesdays: #44
Bonjour and welcome to your weekly edition of Tasty Tuesdays. I trust you are on the edge of your seats waiting in anxious anticipation of what promises to be another delicious dish, so let's get down to brass tax, shall we?
This recipe is definitely inspired from my days as a youngster. Apparently, there was a time when I would absolutely, positively only eat toast, peanut butter and bananas-period. In all honesty, things could have been far worse as I was getting protein, carbs and a serving of fruit. I think, nay I know, I had the right idea because there are few flavor combos better than that of peanut butter and bananas. I challenge anyone to contest...
Anyway, this is my spin on what was my favorite meal some 23 years ago. (Yikes! Did I just totally expose my age?) I hope you will whip this up for the toddler in your life or just someone who is still a kid at heart...or heck, just someone who enjoys an indulgent breakfast treat.
PB&B French Toast
Ingredients:
2 slices of white bread
1 medium banana, sliced in half lengthwise
1 T butter
1 T brown sugar
1 egg
splash milk
1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t vanilla
1 T sugar
2-3 T peanut butter
powdered sugar for sprinkling
1. Melt a tablespoon of butter and brown sugar in a skillet over medium heat. Add banana and caramelize. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. Whisk together egg, milk, baking powder, vanilla and sugar. Dip each piece of bread in egg wash and grill in the skillet until golden brown. Remove from skillet to a plate.
3. Spread a generous coating of peanut butter on both pieces of french toast. Add grilled bananas to one piece and top with the other. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with a side of syrup.
I recommend serving this with a strong cup of coffee and maybe an ice cold glass of milk (for nostalgic purposes, of course).
Until we meet again, have a Tasty Tuesday!
This recipe is definitely inspired from my days as a youngster. Apparently, there was a time when I would absolutely, positively only eat toast, peanut butter and bananas-period. In all honesty, things could have been far worse as I was getting protein, carbs and a serving of fruit. I think, nay I know, I had the right idea because there are few flavor combos better than that of peanut butter and bananas. I challenge anyone to contest...
Anyway, this is my spin on what was my favorite meal some 23 years ago. (Yikes! Did I just totally expose my age?) I hope you will whip this up for the toddler in your life or just someone who is still a kid at heart...or heck, just someone who enjoys an indulgent breakfast treat.
PB&B French Toast
Ingredients:
2 slices of white bread
1 medium banana, sliced in half lengthwise
1 T butter
1 T brown sugar
1 egg
splash milk
1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t vanilla
1 T sugar
2-3 T peanut butter
powdered sugar for sprinkling
1. Melt a tablespoon of butter and brown sugar in a skillet over medium heat. Add banana and caramelize. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. Whisk together egg, milk, baking powder, vanilla and sugar. Dip each piece of bread in egg wash and grill in the skillet until golden brown. Remove from skillet to a plate.
3. Spread a generous coating of peanut butter on both pieces of french toast. Add grilled bananas to one piece and top with the other. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with a side of syrup.
I recommend serving this with a strong cup of coffee and maybe an ice cold glass of milk (for nostalgic purposes, of course).
Until we meet again, have a Tasty Tuesday!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tasty Tuesdays: post #43
Hello blogworld and Happy Tuesday to you!
I'll skip the chit-chat and dive right into today's recipe. Growing up, I can remember many a lunch comprised of a grilled cheese sandwich. It wasn't until working at Sonic that I began adding additional components to my grilled cheese. Once I discovered the addition of tomatoes (and pickles, if I'm being completely truthful), I never went back to a plain grilled cheese ever again.
The sandwich recipe I'm featuring today is a far cry from the flattop grills at Sonic, but I think you will really enjoy the additional textures and flavors that I have brought into the basic cheese and bread combination. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and deli meats to create your perfect flavor combination.
Glorious Grilled C.T.A. Sandwich
Ingredients:
1/2 green apple, thinly sliced
2 slices of bread, variety of your choice
2-3 slices deli turkey (or ham)
1 1/2 slices cheese (Cheddar, Havarti or Swiss), torn into strips
2-3 T butter
1. Heat about a 1/2 T butter in a skillet and saute apple slices until golden.
2. Butter both sides of each piece of bread. Line one piece of bread with half of the cheese. Top with turkey slices and arrange apple slices evenly over the turkey. Line the other piece of bread with the remaining cheese strips and place of the other half.
3. Melt another 1/2 T of butter in a skillet and grill sandwich on both sides until crispy.
I recommend serving this sandwich with a field green salad drizzled with balsamic vinegar and a glass of white wine. Cheers and have a terrifically Tasty Tuesday!
I'll skip the chit-chat and dive right into today's recipe. Growing up, I can remember many a lunch comprised of a grilled cheese sandwich. It wasn't until working at Sonic that I began adding additional components to my grilled cheese. Once I discovered the addition of tomatoes (and pickles, if I'm being completely truthful), I never went back to a plain grilled cheese ever again.
The sandwich recipe I'm featuring today is a far cry from the flattop grills at Sonic, but I think you will really enjoy the additional textures and flavors that I have brought into the basic cheese and bread combination. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and deli meats to create your perfect flavor combination.
Glorious Grilled C.T.A. Sandwich
Ingredients:
1/2 green apple, thinly sliced
2 slices of bread, variety of your choice
2-3 slices deli turkey (or ham)
1 1/2 slices cheese (Cheddar, Havarti or Swiss), torn into strips
2-3 T butter
1. Heat about a 1/2 T butter in a skillet and saute apple slices until golden.
2. Butter both sides of each piece of bread. Line one piece of bread with half of the cheese. Top with turkey slices and arrange apple slices evenly over the turkey. Line the other piece of bread with the remaining cheese strips and place of the other half.
3. Melt another 1/2 T of butter in a skillet and grill sandwich on both sides until crispy.
I recommend serving this sandwich with a field green salad drizzled with balsamic vinegar and a glass of white wine. Cheers and have a terrifically Tasty Tuesday!
Monday, April 12, 2010
snapshots of easter.
It's amazing how quickly the blog can take a backseat when life gets busy. Throw in a holiday weekend, a wedding, family get-togethers, a party or two and the blog gets tossed aside quicker than last season's gladiator sandals. However, I am certain this lack of posting has not caused anyone to cease to find meaning in life.
Nevertheless, in an effort to provide continuous and proper documentation of 2010, I will sum up the happenings of Easter 2010 through a barrage of snapshots which will no doubt contribute to my slacker status, but what can I say, what I lack in dedication I make up in style.
First up on the list of Easter festivities was a good 'ole fashioned Easter Egg Hunt complete with a petting zoo, bounce house and free Phil Wickham concert. Granted, the wind was whipping at approximately 90 miles per hour, but I was more than happy to suffer through the less than stellar conditions to hear Phil and his guitar. I trust you would concur.
Up next was a little friendly competition (is there such a thing?) involving hard-boiled eggs, dye, glitter, stickers and a little creativity. It was a guys v. girls Easter Egg Throwdown and suffice it to say, the girls threw down (myself NOT included) and the guys never stood a chance. However, had it been up to me, there would have been one lone decorated egg as I was seriously lacking inspiration and motivation.
Finally, Easter Sunday arrived and I had the pleasure of going to church at Watermark with my sister and her family. After celebrating God's grace, mercy and redeeming power, we headed back to the casa for a champagne-filled brunch complete with brown-sugar glazed ham, easy garden bake (with artichokes, broccoli and goat cheese), my SPG salad (spring mix, pear, gorgonzola and caramelized onion), corn pudding, fresh fruit and my raspberry liquor cake. We feasted until we could feast no more.
The day ended with some hot tub time underneath the stars and a bunny-inspired photo session.
All the activities, the food, the company, the egg hunts - it all made up for a very eventful Easter holiday, but it would all be so empty and meaningless if that's what it was all about. I mean, let's be honest, how fulfilling is a basket filled with candy that ultimately produces an upset stomach?
But what hope we have in Jesus who displayed the greatest love of all when He submitted to His Father's will, died on the cross and rose on that third day. There is no greater love than He that laid down His life so that we, wretched, sinful souls, might live and have abundant life.
Nevertheless, in an effort to provide continuous and proper documentation of 2010, I will sum up the happenings of Easter 2010 through a barrage of snapshots which will no doubt contribute to my slacker status, but what can I say, what I lack in dedication I make up in style.
First up on the list of Easter festivities was a good 'ole fashioned Easter Egg Hunt complete with a petting zoo, bounce house and free Phil Wickham concert. Granted, the wind was whipping at approximately 90 miles per hour, but I was more than happy to suffer through the less than stellar conditions to hear Phil and his guitar. I trust you would concur.
Up next was a little friendly competition (is there such a thing?) involving hard-boiled eggs, dye, glitter, stickers and a little creativity. It was a guys v. girls Easter Egg Throwdown and suffice it to say, the girls threw down (myself NOT included) and the guys never stood a chance. However, had it been up to me, there would have been one lone decorated egg as I was seriously lacking inspiration and motivation.
Finally, Easter Sunday arrived and I had the pleasure of going to church at Watermark with my sister and her family. After celebrating God's grace, mercy and redeeming power, we headed back to the casa for a champagne-filled brunch complete with brown-sugar glazed ham, easy garden bake (with artichokes, broccoli and goat cheese), my SPG salad (spring mix, pear, gorgonzola and caramelized onion), corn pudding, fresh fruit and my raspberry liquor cake. We feasted until we could feast no more.
The day ended with some hot tub time underneath the stars and a bunny-inspired photo session.
All the activities, the food, the company, the egg hunts - it all made up for a very eventful Easter holiday, but it would all be so empty and meaningless if that's what it was all about. I mean, let's be honest, how fulfilling is a basket filled with candy that ultimately produces an upset stomach?
But what hope we have in Jesus who displayed the greatest love of all when He submitted to His Father's will, died on the cross and rose on that third day. There is no greater love than He that laid down His life so that we, wretched, sinful souls, might live and have abundant life.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Tasty Tuesdays: the 42nd recipe
Hello and Happy Tuesday!
Today's post is going to be as brief as it is simple. The day has gotten away from me, so in order to avoid this being a Tasty Wednesday, brevity will be the order of the day.
This is probably the easiest recipe I have ever blogged, but sometimes the easiest recipes are the real crowd pleasers. I made these on Easter morning while we were getting ready for church and they literally took not even five minutes to prep.
Poor Man's Chocolate Croissants
Ingredients:
1 tube of crescent rolls
1 C chocolate chips
sugar for sprinkling
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with non-stick foil.
2. Unroll and separate crescent rolls. Place about 10-12 chocolate chips on the wide end of the dough pieces and roll up like normal.
3. Place on baking sheet and sprinkle the tops with sugar.
4. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
I hear chocolate croissants in France are absolutely to die for, but until I can feast on such a delicacy, this will have to do for now.
Have a Tasty Tuesday and I'll see you next week!
Today's post is going to be as brief as it is simple. The day has gotten away from me, so in order to avoid this being a Tasty Wednesday, brevity will be the order of the day.
This is probably the easiest recipe I have ever blogged, but sometimes the easiest recipes are the real crowd pleasers. I made these on Easter morning while we were getting ready for church and they literally took not even five minutes to prep.
Poor Man's Chocolate Croissants
Ingredients:
1 tube of crescent rolls
1 C chocolate chips
sugar for sprinkling
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with non-stick foil.
2. Unroll and separate crescent rolls. Place about 10-12 chocolate chips on the wide end of the dough pieces and roll up like normal.
3. Place on baking sheet and sprinkle the tops with sugar.
4. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
I hear chocolate croissants in France are absolutely to die for, but until I can feast on such a delicacy, this will have to do for now.
Have a Tasty Tuesday and I'll see you next week!
Friday, April 2, 2010
a really good friday.
"We are going to commemorate the Passion of our Savior; let us strive to prepare ourselves for it by great purity of heart...We shall see Him, during this coming Holy Week, on the tree of the Cross, consumed for Love of us...opening His Heart to place us therein."
~St. Jane Francis Chantal
"But if we are convinced and have come to experience that without Christ life lacks something, that something real – indeed, the most real thing of all – is missing, we must also be convinced that we do no injustice to anyone if we present Christ to them and thus grant them the opportunity of finding their truest and most authentic selves, the joy of finding life. Indeed, we must do this. It is our duty to offer everyone this possibility of attaining eternal life."
~Pope Benedict XVI, in his homily on Saturday, March 21,2009, in the church of St. Paul in Luanda, Africa
My prayer for you today is that we may be so convinced of His real, human suffering that we cannot help but present this truth to ALL those we encounter. God forgive me for consistently forgetting the cross and perpetually putting myself first. My only hope of redemption is in You and Your perfect sacrifice.
~St. Jane Francis Chantal
"But if we are convinced and have come to experience that without Christ life lacks something, that something real – indeed, the most real thing of all – is missing, we must also be convinced that we do no injustice to anyone if we present Christ to them and thus grant them the opportunity of finding their truest and most authentic selves, the joy of finding life. Indeed, we must do this. It is our duty to offer everyone this possibility of attaining eternal life."
~Pope Benedict XVI, in his homily on Saturday, March 21,2009, in the church of St. Paul in Luanda, Africa
My prayer for you today is that we may be so convinced of His real, human suffering that we cannot help but present this truth to ALL those we encounter. God forgive me for consistently forgetting the cross and perpetually putting myself first. My only hope of redemption is in You and Your perfect sacrifice.
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