What's that smell Mom?

The kids were walking around 3 hours ago--what is that smell?  Are you cooking something?  Just finished up a batch of carnitas--they loved them!  Lipsmackin in the next room.  I am sure Daddy will love his taco tonight too!  Here they are naked -which is the way I like them.  Worth the 3 hours of cook time? You bet.

How to make these delicious medallions?

Carnitas Recipe:
3lbs pork roast
1 cup oj
3 cups water
salt to taste

1. Cut meat into strips or pieces.
2. Bring meat all liquids to a boil and lower to med/low to simmer for 2 hours uncovered.
3. Bring up to med/high heat for the last hour until liquid is gone and fat rendered (dissolved).
4. When the water dries up and the meat browns in the fat. They are done and tender and delicious.

How to make the flour tortillas?
1. Buy them at HEB.
2, Heat them on the comal (griddle).

The end.

Things That Make Happy

There are times when I don't feel happy and in fact, just completely sad.  But there are things that really always make me smile and warm my heart. There are more but, these always come to mind.

• newborns
• holding a child's hand
• holding a baby (any kind-even animals)
• sun on my eyelids
• the first time I feel my kids kick in the womb
• watching my husband's reaction when he meets our baby
• soil in my hands
• a good hair day
• chocolate cake
• the smell of rain
• the morning light
• the pink and purple sunset
• flowers
• eye contact with someone
• a hug
• old used books
• rhyming games with my kids
• a good bargain
• impromptu visits
• white cloth-clean and crisp
• a good hard drink
• a phone call from someone you miss
• when a baby kisses you
• a song that expresses your mood
• scalding hot showers
• thick carpet
• antique furniture
• killing flies
• driving by myself
• tiny things-miniatures
• diet coke so cold that it burns
• dolls
• offering comfort
• fairies
• rainbows
• cashmere 
• silk
• freshly cut grass
• hot strong coffee 
• handmade gifts
• beautiful eyebrows
• chocolate
• GOD

Beachy Fathers Day!

We made it to the beach just before Summer Solstice!  Whew...  We spent Father's Day at the beach with my kids and their daddy.  The water was clear, calm, and warm.  It was perfection.  I didn't get many pictures because I was actually in the water this time!  Can you believe it?  These are a few shots of the family minus me again:o( But, anyway, back to my Ode to Big Daddy.

Being a good father is not easy.  It pulls at you in every direction every day.  I am so happy and blessed to have a husband who is an excellent father to his children.  He is there for them when they need them, he plays with them when I can't, he brings home enough bacon for us to have more than we could ever need.  He does everything in his power to be a great dad.

But, it is not all fun for him either. He suffers the torture of watching his kids be in pain sometimes, he is stern with them when they need it, and he guides them in the right direction when they go off course.  He sees them fall and helps them back up--just like the best fathers do.

Happy Father's Day Big Daddy!

For your viewing pleasure:

Patience & Prayer

Six months ago, Julian fell victim to a very rare and debilitating disease.  Through many months of trials, tests, and prayer, he is healing. He has to go through physical therapy and speech therapy on a regular basis but, his functions are there and they are strong.  His body moves very well, his words are few and careful but, very clear.  He has also had a huge growth spurt!

Sometimes children get sick--really sick.  It is never God that does this.  God is the one that gives us the strength of patience, hope, and the will to heal. There are times when children can not be healed by human means.  This is a painful mystery to me and I am not sure I understand this "balance" very well.  But, I am thankful for the mercy that has been placed on those children as they return home to a place of comfort and joy. 

Thank you Lord, for giving Julian this strength to survive his illness. Thank for this tender mercy.

Guilty

Here is my guilty pleasure.  It is so sad, but,  I can not function well without my morning DC.  This is my silver bullet every morning (kills the scary werewolf that appears every morning regardless of the moon cycle).

Please don't make fun of the old out dated way that I highlight the color on Coke.  I like it, I think it looks neat, and I will keep using it as long as it makes me happy.  So what if it is totally PSE 4.0?...Have a Coke and a Smile. :o)

PONYO Soup!

How do you get kids to eat new foods?
#1--Be a GOOD cook.
#2--Interest.

Here they are EATING PONYO Soup!  Of course, they are watching Ponyo at the same time.  So maybe they are not so interested in the food.  But, they tried new stuff and really dug in!

What is PONYO Soup?
Ramen-Chicken Flavor, 1/2 boiled egg, sprig of green onion, and diced up ham.  Easy peasy!
Love it!

Last Day of School!

Today was a fun day.  We are really sad that our kids' teachers are both not returning next year.  But, they are both on to new and great things.  Mrs. Burris, Thank you so much for your patience and kind words of encouragement.  Ms. Callaway, Thank you so much for your guidance and encouragement.  My kids are all the better for knowing you.  When you move on, it is at a great loss to our school and district.

What a fun year at The Oaks Elementary.  Have a great summer everyone!  Now I have a 1st grader and 4th grader.  Wow! This year just flew by!