Indian Butter Chicken & Recuperation

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

We are halfway through the week. 

My fellow teachers and friends who have summer's off--it is FLYING BY! 

I can't believe that it's almost July. 

Only 34 days left before we go back to work (cue the tears). 

Today, I have an amazingly delicious recipe to share with you all plus a little update on what's been going on here of late. 

Indian Butter Chicken

What you need:

2 tablespoons ghee or butter

2 pounds boneless chicken thighs (we used breast), cut into bite size pieces

1 yellow onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon freshly minced ginger

2 teaspoon garam masala (whole foods carries this spice)

1 teaspoon tumeric

½ teapsoon cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon salt

2 (14 ounce) cans of full fat coconut milk

1 cup tomato sauce

cilantro, to garnish

lime wedges, to garnish

coconut cauliflower rice (we used wild rice for convenience--for it to be truly paleo you would need to make her coconut cauliflower rice--I provided you with the link). 

What you do:

Add ghee (or butter) to a large sauté pan over medium heat. 

Add chicken and a pinch of salt and cook on all sides until chicken is browned but not fully cooked through, about 10 minutes. 

Remove and set aside.

To the pan, add onion and garlic and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until onion becomes translucent. Add ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cayenne pepper, cumin, and salt. 

Mix with a wooden spoon, scraping the bottom of the pan for about 30 seconds.

Add coconut milk and tomato sauce and bring to a low simmer for about 5 minutes, then add chicken back to the pan and let cook for 10 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.

Serve with coconut cauliflower rice (or wild rice), cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice on top.

Original recipe found here. 

This recipe was AMAZING. Jason and I love Indian food (we are big, BIG Spice Avenue fans) and this dish hit the spot. 

In other news, the tooth fairy still comes to see you when you're almost 27 years old and you get 3 of your permanent teeth removed 

When I was about, 10 (I think--possibly younger) we went to the Dentist for a routine cleaning, x-rays, and all that jazz. It was that day that we were told that I have little to no root in my upper teeth. Before I start this up, let's keep in mind that I am no dentist and I'm just sharing what I've learned over the years from dealing with all of this "tooth mess". Most people's roots in their teeth are super long and are part of what hold your teeth in your head. I found myself googling "tooth x-ray of someone with little to no roots in their teeth" and found nothing that looks remotely like mine. I'll have to upload them for you all one day so you can see what I'm talking about.

Simply put, because of my lack of roots, my permanent teeth were not stable--with some more loose than others. In February 2008, I got my first tooth implant. Then, Monday, I got my 2nd one, along with removing 3 of my permanent teeth for a future implant bridge. 

So now, all four of my front teeth are G.O.N.E. I look like a 1st grader who lost all those teeth at just the right time ;) Thankfully, dentistry can work magic and I am NOT walking around with my front, four teeth missing. I do have a retainer with some teeth attached to it to get me through the next few months. So now, we are waiting 6 months for my gum to heal and for some bone to...set??...(not sure of the right words for that?) and then, will come the final teeth. 

We have been praying over and waiting for this (what we hope to be) final step for many, many years now and it's a little scary and makes me a little nervous, but I am thankful that it's even an option and hopeful that I will love the outcome! 

My sweet, sweet husband has been the best caretaker while I'm recovering and I am so very thankful for him and all he's done/is doing. 

For the time being, I'm sleeping, watching movies, catching up on TV and relaxing. 

Ship Island (3) & Father's Day Weekend

Jason & I had such a fun Father's Day weekend at Ship Island.

I love this sweet tradition and am thankful to be a part of it!

We had really nice weather--it was overcast and not too terribly hot which is what one can wish for when they are going to spend a day on an island. 

Crabs! We saw SO MANY CRABS and it was so fun. 

I've never seen so many crabs all over the sand. 

 You never know what kinds of things you'll find on the shore. 

 It was a great, low key, fun weekend. 

Until next year!

I can't end a Father's Day post without sharing this picture of Dad with his gift from Jason & I 

I am forever so thankful that The Lord saw fit to bless our family with him as our earthly father. His sense of humor, kindness, and love for The Lord are just a few of the things that make him such a wonderful father to us!

Love his gift? You can order one from Etsy here. Their shop was so quick to respond and very pleasant to work with.  This item shipped quickly and turned out so great. I will absolutely be using them again for future gifts! 

Order Up!

Guys. 

My first, full meal cooked all by myself. 

My hubby is a mean, mean beast when it comes to being in the kitchen (the good kind of beast). He can cook anything and it always turns out tasting amazing. 

Me on the other hand, I over salted oatmeal the first time I tried to make it by myself--let that sink in and give you an idea of what kind of cook I am. 

But, this week--I did it! 

Wifey accomplishment.

I've done single dishes before. But, never three things at once! I even timed them fairly close. 

I am a proud woman right now! 

I'm not sure I could have made it through without my Cupcake: Red Velvet Wine though ;)

I wanted to share the chicken & squash recipes with you all--they were really good & different. The green beans were just, nothing special, good ole' green beans.

Honey Sriracha Chicken topped with Crushed Pineapple
What you need:
3-4 chicken breasts
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium if you choose)
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons sriracha (I did 2.5 because we love sriracha)
3 tablespoons water
can of crushed pineapple (soaked in pineapple juice)

What you do:
In a large ziplock bag add garlic, soy sauce, honey, sriracha and water.
Close and shake to combine.
Add in the chicken (I flattened the chicken before doing so--just preferential) and place in the refrigerator--let sit for an hour (when I made this, I didn't plan too well and wasn't able to marinade for an hour--mine only marinaded about 15 minutes and were still really, really good).
Take chicken out of the marinade and put it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I poured the marinade over the chicken on the sheet as well.
Top each piece of chicken with crushed pineapple--I did a good bit, but I love pineapple on chicken.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Place in the oven and cook for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.


This chicken was amazing--I can't wait to make it again when I actually marinade it the full suggested time.

Original recipe found here. 

Sage Butter Summer Squash with Dill Garnish
What you need: 
2 pounds Yellow Summer Squash
1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
5 sage leaves (I didn't have leaves so I looked up a conversion to the ground sage and uses 1/8 tsp)
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (I didn't use fresh, I used dried)

salt
splashes of lemon

What you do:

Wash and chop the yellow squash into medallions.
Put a saute pan on the stove top burner at medium-high heat.
Add the butter and sage leaves.
Allow the sage leaves to infuse the melting butter for approximately 5 minutes, stirring on occasion to avoid frying the leaves (since I used the sound sage, I didn't do this. I just let the butter melt and then added in the sage to have it mix well).
Add the chopped garlic and yellow squash to the saute pan.
Mix the ingredients to incorporate butter, garlic and squash.
Saute and cook until soft, approximately 10 minutes (fairly sure I cooked mine closer to 15 mins).
Once cooked, sprinkle on the fresh chopped dill, season with salt to taste and, if desired, sprinkle on juice from a fresh lemon.
Mix and serve.

Original recipe found here

Oh and don't worry, the green beans were really good too--but they were just simple, yummy, fresh green beans!

Happy Eating to you all!

Mama Carol's Lamb Burgers

My sweet Mom & Dad had Jason & I over for dinner last night and let me tell you something...Mama Carol tore it up in the kitchen. 

She cooked THE BEST lamb burgers I've ever had. They were awesome. 

After bragging sharing my picture of those delectable things, I talked her into writing up the recipe so I could share it with those who were interested. 

Here goes nothing...

Mama Carol's Lamb Burgers with Comeback/Feta Topping:

What you need:

2 lbs. of ground lamb (this made 5 patties-4 larger, 1 a little smaller)

For seasoning the lamb: 

**For each lb. of ground lamb add:**

¼ tsp. ground cumin

¾ tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. all spice

2 cloves of minced garlic

1 ½ tsp olive oil

Chopped, fresh rosemary to taste

Feta cheese crumbles

Comeback dressing of your choice (we used Crechales)

Hawaiian Burger Buns (large gourmet)

Optional toppings (we used:)

Bibb lettuce

Fresh tomato

Grilled onions

Sweet pickles

What you do:

Earlier in the afternoon, add in all the seasonings to the ground lamb, mix well. 

Once mixed up, shake in a bit more all spice & cumin. Let marinate in the fridge for about 4 hours prior. 

Form the burgers and put them on the grill. 

Grill for 6 minutes on each side—test for doneness. 

For the feta/comeback topping: just add your choice of comeback dressing atop the feta. 

Once the burgers are almost finished, add the feta mixture to the top while still on the grill for a few minutes. 

Mom also put the buns on the grill for a minute or two as well. 

Fix up your burgers, serve and enjoy!

As a side, we had baked, chopped sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and onion and it paired perfectly with the burgers. 

For dessert? A nice, juicy, summery, watermelon. 

20 Years at LPC for Papa Steve

Sunday, June 2, 1996.

20 years ago. 

I was going to start the 1st grade that August.

20 years ago, my Dad preached his first sermon at Lakeland Presbyterian Church. 

Little did we know what this church and this church family would mean to our family. 

My siblings and I grew up going to Sunday School under the teaching of Mr. John High. Walking around after church to find Mr. Lonnie to snag a peppermint--red or green? Many summers spent at VBS, first attending and then volunteering. Countless Wednesday night fellowship meals. We've seen this church and this body of believers grow like wildfire. We've seen the building itself grow with a family life center and the most recent educational building addition. 

This church holds so much our family's lives and is at the core of so many wonderful memories.

The church where I was married, Mary Claire was married, and Aaron was married--all weddings that my Dad officiated. 

The Lord has ABUNDANTLY blessed our family through this church and all that He has done through this "little white church" on the corner of Lakeland Drive. 

 I will end this post with what my Dad shared this morning on a Facebook post: 

"20 YEARS AGO on the first Sunday of June, I preached my first regular sermon at Lakeland Presbyterian Church! I was 44 years old (and yes, I had hair, and it was dark)! The years have literally flown by, and now I have ministered at Lakeland PCA for as long as my Father ministered to the congregation at Bay Street Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg, MS! What’s so encouraging is how blessed my family and I have been to be part of such a wonderful congregation! We’ve absolutely loved living here with you in the Brandon / Flowood area for all these years. Leading worship, preaching, teaching, marrying, baptizing, “funeralizing”, visiting, counseling, befriending, discipling, praying, and most of all just being blessed by your consistently gracious, generous love and unwavering support has been for us an amazing experience. I look forward once again to ministering the Word to you this coming Lord’s Day, June 5, 2016! Lord willing, the best days in the life of the church family that IS Lakeland PCA are yet to come (Philippians 1:3-6)! To GOD be the glory! Great things HE has done! I LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH!

In Christ, Pastor Steve Jussely"

6/5/16 update: Thankful that my Mom snapped this snapshot of Dad this morning to document his 20 year milestone at Lakeland Presbyterian.
Again, what a multitude of blessings our family has received through The Lord's provision of this church and church family. What a joy and a privilege it has been growing up listening to my Dad preach The truths of the gospel. Thankful today, and everyday for God's goodness and faithfulness. 

"Come As You Are"

This sweet, sweet song has been on my heart. 

It's hauntingly beautiful and so full of truth. 

"Come As You Are"

Come out of sadness

From wherever you've been

Come broken hearted

Let rescue begin

Come find your mercy

Oh sinner come kneel

Earth has no sorrow

That heaven can't heal

Earth has no sorrow

That heaven can't heal

So lay down your burdens

Lay down your shame

All who are broken

Lift up your face

Oh wanderer come home

You're not too far

So lay down your hurt

Lay down your heart

Come as you are

There's hope for the hopeless

And all those who've strayed

Come sit at the table

Come taste the grace

There's rest for the weary

Rest that endures

Earth has no sorrow

That heaven can't cure

So lay down your burdens

Lay down your shame

All who are broken

Lift up your face

Oh wanderer come home

You're not too far

So lay down your hurt

Lay down your heart

Come as you are

Come as you are

Fall in his arms

Come as you are

There's joy for the morning

Oh sinner be still

Earth has no sorrow

That heaven can't heal

Earth has no sorrow

That heaven can't heal

So lay down your burdens

Lay down your shame

All who are broken

Lift up your face

Oh wanderer come home

You're not too far

So lay down your hurt

Lay down your heart

Come as you are

Come as you are

Come as you are

As I listen to this song, with tears falling down my face I am once again so moved by the reminder that The Creator of this world loves us enough to takes us, just as we are. 

"You're not too far, so lay down your hurt, lay down your hear, come as you are."

Just as we are. 

Just as you are. 

Just as I am. 

"Trust In You"

If I am being honest with you all, it's been hard for me to even come to this page.

 It's been over 3 months and I haven't been able to bring myself to come and write a post. 

I have plenty that I want to share with you all and plenty that's been going on in our lives that I would love to get off my chest!

But, the last post was about our sweet Mia that we lost back in February. 

As much as I wish I could sit here and tell you that life has slowly and surely gotten back to "normal" since that sad day, that hasn't been the case. 

I am diligently praying that The Lord will reveal to me what He's been trying to teach us through all of this. I can tell you this much though, I know that The Lord is good and I know that I am His and there is no place else that I would rather be.  

I've found so much comfort (and understanding) in Lauren Daigle's music here lately. 

My three favorites? (If the videos don't work for you, click on the titles and it'll take you to YouTube).

Trust In You

How Can It Be?

O' Lord

These songs have been my anthem the past 3 months.

Here's to hoping that my summer is nothing but uneventful and healing. 

Our Sweet Mia Girl

10 short weeks ago, our lives changed forever. 

This sweet little black poodle came into our home and stole our hearts. 

Mia, our little girl. 

It is with broken-hearts and much sadness that I come to you asking for prayers for Jason and I. Prayers for comfort & peace. 

Thursday, when we arrived home from work, we walked in on an unexpected accident & our sweet Mia was no longer living. We realized that she had choked on a toy. 

There is so much heaviness & sadness in how unexpected and soon this was. 

For any of you that have pets, you know they quickly become family. 

We quickly fell in love with her & her precious personality. 

Her sweet little life was so short and we are so, incredibly sad about the fact that we won't have one more day with her. We didn't know that that morning was the last time we would see her, literally & figuratively so full of life and happiness. The Lord showed His goodness and grace by leading Jason and I, for some reason, to do a cheesy "family hug" with Mia smushed in the middle that morning, something we never do. Something that is now a sweet memory of such a sad day--a sweet reminder that we loved her, so deeply and that she was in fact, family.  

Her little life was so short, but, we are so thankful that The Lord gave us these 10, sweet weeks with our little Mia Girl & we hope to focus on and remember all of the joy she brought to us and our home.

The very next day, The Lord showed His tender love & His heart to Jason & I through a man's daily prayer that I subscribe to:

"Today, I am so thankful for this prayer. The mere fact that my daily prayer from this blog today was about suffering serves as such a present reminder that The Lord cares about Jason and I's sadness over Mia. What a sweet, gentle reminder that He, The Lord of all, shares in our sufferings today.

"When our Pain feels more real than God's presence"

After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Pet. 5:10-11 (ESV)

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Rom. 8:18 (NIV)

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the weariness-validating, peace-generating, heart-liberating voice of the Scriptures. Your Word brings us the encouragement we need, at just the right time. Today, I’m grateful for both Peter and Paul’s words about the sufferings we experience in this world. Both of these men were quite familiar with suffering, and both of them were even more familiar with your sovereign might and endless mercies.

I sometimes forget, that until Jesus returns, suffering will be more the norm than the exception. Everything and everyone is broken, so to suffer is to be human and alive. The Day of no more “death, mourning, crying, or pain” is coming (Rev. 21:4); but that Day is not yet. But until that Day, there is you, and all the grace we will need to suffer to your glory.

In the “bigger scheme”, as Peter said, all suffering is just for a “little while”—though sometimes it feels like “all the time.” Father, when life hurts the most, remind us (in our heart of hearts) that you are the “God of all grace”—the one who has called us to “eternal glory”, and that you will most definitely “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish” us. Make your presence more real than our pain. Make your grace more substantive than our sufferings.

And grant us, like Paul, the joyful assurance that “the glory that will be revealed to us” will make all the sufferings of our brief journey in this world seem like weightless feathers, compared to the weight of glory that will land on us when Jesus returns. Hallelujah! Until that Day, grant us grace to steward our pain as a gift, making us more compassionate and merciful to others. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus, faithful and beautiful name."

I mean, just WOW right? 

It will never cease to amaze me that venues that The Lord uses to speak to our hearts & help us begin to heal. 

As I said earlier, how sweet it is to be given such a gentle reminder that He care about our sadness over our sweet little pup. Thank you Lord for your gentle reminders that show us your heart towards your people. 

We have been overwhelmed and so moved by everyone's kind words, thoughts, & prayers during this time. You all will never know how thankful we are for your friendships, sympathy, and compassion. I can't even look at a text or receive a phone call without crying because of how moved I am by everyone's understanding and tenderness towards this situation. 

Thank you. Thank you for loving Jason and I so well during this sad time. 

Cold Brew Coffee

Cold Brew Coffee has become my newest obsession. 

I've tried to drink black coffee, so many times. 

I know, I sound like a whimp, but I can't. I know I physically can, but I don't like it one bit. 

But, cold brew. 

THAT'S a different story. 

I can FINALLY drink my coffee black. 

What is cold brew coffee?

"Cold brew coffee refers to the process of steeping coffee grounds in room temperature or cold water for an extended period. Cold brew coffee is not to be confused with iced coffee, which generally refers to coffee that is brewed hot and then chilled by pouring over or adding ice"

I've had a few people ask me how we make ours so keep in mind, these measurements are just for what we have/use to make ours.

We have a French Press, like this one here.

We use whole bean coffee--365 Brand from Whole Foods "Pacific Rim, Vienna Roast" it's a big ole bag for about $10. One of the better deals that we've found.

We have a grinder like this one here--one of our most used wedding gifts--we grind the beans for about 10-15 seconds. This ends up being about 4.5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) of ground coffee (not finely ground).

Then, we pour the grounds into the french press and fill it with 4 cups of water. We just use the filtered water from the refrigerator.

Once you've put the water in, we give it a good stir and then put the lid on but don't press down the filter. Just leave it at the top.

Put it in the fridge overnight and when you're ready for your coffee in the morning, give it a little stir/swirl (this helps it to press down easier) and then press the filter down.

Get you a cup with some ice, pour your cold brew over ice and enjoy!

Surety

I would say that most of the time, people see surety as a good thing.  

It can also be vague & sometimes even a little confusing though.

Yet, surety is what I have. 

Surety that The God who loves me, love this little boy just as much. 

Surety that He has a plan and that all that has happened, is part of that perfect plan. 

 I should probably give you some back story. 

At least, as much as I can. 

The school district I work in is considered "low-income" and with that description, I've come to realize that it carries loads of situations that are heartbreaking. 

Things that I couldn't even imagine living through/enduring currently, as a 26 year old adult, that these little 7-10 year old children encounter on a daily basis. 

This IS life to them. 

This is all that they know. 

My field trip I take my kids on is the biggest outing some of these kids will take each year. 

The free/reduced breakfast & lunch they receive may be the only meals they have that day. 

Most of the time, their homework is done incorrectly (if done at all) because no one at home helps them do it, even though that's exactly what they need. 

What are supposed to be pants are wearing as capri's because their parents can't afford to buy new pants when their current ones get too short. 

One starts to realize just how much we, I, take for granted. 

It's an awful lot and it shows just how ugly my little worldly heart can be. 

Those are just some of the things that we see most often. 

Then, there are days like almost 2 months ago where a student comes into your classroom and you see bruises on them & your heart stops and you feel it in the pit of your stomach and you know. 

Maybe you've thought it in the past, but now, now you know. 

"God knows what He's doing" is what one of my assistants always says and she's right. 

She's so right. 

Surety. 

The moment that little boy was removed from his home, it was like a lamp was lit and he was the happiest, most joyful child I've ever seen. 

He was so loving, which he had always been, but in a new way. 

He was free & he knew that he was safe, finally. 

But, then, only 13 school days later he was back in his environment. 

The stress, fear, and anger were being expressed by him again and in full force. 

Once again, "God knows what He's doing" 

Surety. 

And then today, not even a full 2 months since this all began, he was withdrawn from our school. 

No longer can we know that he's safe at least 8 hours of the day, no longer can we ensure that he laughs, a lot. No longer can we make sure he's getting his breakfast and lunch. No longer can we hug on him and tell him we love him. No longer can we watch him run off the bus and into our classroom. 

Here, right now, there's so much uncertainty.

Just like the last two times, once again, she said it: "God knows what He's doing" 

There it is, the surety. 

After hugging him goodbye and watching him walk away, with his head turned towards the school looking at me the whole time, I felt such a deep rooted sadness. I knew that he didn't fully understand what was happening and I no longer know who would speak on his behalf. 

I felt such a heaviness the rest of the day. 

Then, my Mom sweetly reminded me of Dad's sermon on Sunday. 

A sermon that is fitting for all situations, but great to remember especially for this one. 

"Our God is in the heavens, He does all that He pleases"

Psalm 115:3

This sermon prompted me to ask the question: "What hasn't changed since all of this began happening with this student?"

Our lives are ever changing and we never know how/when they will change. There is so much uncertainty, and that we can be sure about (ironically so).  

But, because of what The Bible says; what realities can I anchor my life to in this lifetime, on this side of heaven? 

1. The reality of the absolute sovereignty of God. 

Once again, "Our God is in the heavens, He does all that He pleases."

"according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will" (Ephesians 1:11)

From the greatest evil that was ever devised by men, came the greatest good--the death and resurrection of Christ. 

Sometimes His sovereignty is mysterious and confusing, but He is good. 

My significance, my security, my identity, my purpose, and my hope in this life, is Christ alone. 

My little student's significance, his security, his identity, his purpose, and his hope in this life, is in Christ alone. 

He is absolutely sovereign & absolutely ultimate. 

Praise God for His sovereignty. 

As my assistant so confidently says, "God knows what He's doing" and that we can be sure of. 

Join me in praying for this sweet little boy and all that he has endured already in his short life and all that he will endure in the future.