A Favorite Winter Salad

Well, actually, it's a favorite all-year-round salad. I sort of threw it together one day last winter when lettuce was scarce, and it turned out to be a keeper. Since it uses napa cabbage, it's really helped to beef up our winter menu options. In my humble opinion, the combination of flavors is just fantastic. So here ya go!

Napa Cucumber Salad

• 4-5 cups napa cabbage, sliced thinly (or just eyeball the amount you want for your family)
• 1 large cucumber, cut into chunks
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped finely
• 1 apple (of a sweet variety, like gala), cut in bite-size chunks
• 1/3 cup almonds, toasted and chopped (don't skip the toasting, it makes this so good!)
• Ranch dressing to suit (I use the homemade version below)

Toss the veggies, apple and nuts together in a large bowl. Add dressing and stir to coat. Serves 6-8.

Homemade Ranch

• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp. dill
• 1/2 tsp. dried green onion
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp. each of salt and pepper
• water to suit

Combine all ingredients, adding enough water to reach the desired consistency.

Enjoy!

My Valentine Girl

"Little girls are the nicest things that happen to people. They are born with a little bit of angelshine about them, and though it wears thin sometimes there is always enough left to lasso your heart." - Alan Beck

Yesterday was cold and rainy. Abby and I had been cooped up in the house for several days with sick kiddos, so we decided to go on a Valentine date! We were on a mission to purchase new coloring supplies as well, which turned out to be successful. It was so much fun we'll have to do it again very soon. :)

"Her smile beams like sunshine, which fills our hearts with love." - Unknown

Sugar and spice.... 

...and everything nice!

A little frizzy and rumpled, but having fun!

Growing Girls

After a loooong silence on the blog, here are a few photos of the girls!

First day of school!

Rebekah has really enjoyed learning to read.

Abby loves to read too! She had to try it upside down, like a character in one of her books.

First time to have her face painted.

Hanging out at the circus.

All ready for the show.

Hosanna loves the camera. Modeling her new outfit for Grandma.

Happy birthday, Abby!

8 years old!

All grown up while Mamma wasn't looking.

Josh and I on our 9th anniversary!

Books to Read: Preparing to Be His Helpmeet

I have known about Debi Pearl's Preparing to be his Helpmeet for some time, and I have even had it on my shelf for a couple of months now. But because I was operating under the impression that it was for single ladies, I had never picked it up. Several weeks ago I was looking for something new to read, and this book came to mind. I remember thinking to myself, "Debi always has so much wisdom, I'm sure there will be something there for me."

I was not disappointed. This book is full of practical wisdom about men, women, and life.

The very first chapter hooked me, fascinated me, instructed me, and left a mark on me. I came away both convicted and encouraged that I could make a difference where it really matters. I'll leave you to find out what that first chapter is about. ;)

Among other things is an overview of 3 types of men and how their wives can be ready to serve them effectively. And then comes the fun part: the 3 types of women! Find out how life jerks you around and what you should do about it. And how you can fill your home with many precious and pleasant riches. Interwoven throughout are many sweet stories of how godly people found their mates (and a few not-so-wise people too) and what they learned.

This book is not about how to find a mate worthy of pursuit; it is about becoming a mate worthy of pursuit. In the process of learning how to be the women we ought to be, (whether single or married) the quest is to know Jesus better and be well-equipped to serve Him. That is a message that applies whether you're 17, 70, or somewhere in between.

I encourage you to read it, but I'll warn you, if you do, you'll have a hard time putting it down. ;)

Before and After!

Before...

After...

One Simple Act that Pleases God

Photo credit

Life can dish out some lumps sometimes. To be honest, I have been fighting a whole list of grumble-worthy items threatening to overtake my thoughts and riddle me with self-pity. As silly as it may sound, at the top of my grumble list has been the weather. Winter in L'viv dishes out a long series of dreary with a lot of cold, wind, snow, slush, mud, and ice. The sky has been overcast now for about 3 months straight, plus a few weeks. After awhile I feel like the darkness outside my window overshadows my spirit and makes it sink lower and lower.

Over the last few days I've done some thinking and praying through a tangle of concerns. And I don't have all the answers. We often don't see the end from the beginning.

But I know the One who does. In the midst of my discouragement, I have known there was one thing to do, one step He wanted me to take. Regardless of whether a person is at the height of joy or the bottom of the barrel, God has made his will very, very clear. I can feel rotten or delightful and still do this simple act that pleases God so much.

"In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Every thing is every thing. (Even nasty weather and low spirits.) And the beauty of it is, in giving us this command, God has given us the very key to our own happiness.

In every thing give thanks. God's will for me and for you.

"Every day will I bless thee...." 

Psalm 145:2

Image courtesy of Photokanok / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Winter Days

Hosanna's 2nd Birthday. Where does the time go?

We enjoy having these swings right in our courtyard.

With our newest little friend, Lydia Day.

She is quite a hit!

We've made new Ukrainian friends too: Hosanna with Oleg and his daughter, Dasha.

On a winter walk: Abby, Rebekah, and Melissa Day. But what is the attraction?

This! Struedel-making is fascinating.

Hammin' it up.

Sunshine

An indoor play area is great for bad-weather days.

Abby is our budding artist, and spends many hours drawing and writing stories.

Snow! I don't think we're in Texas anymore. ;)

Silly girl

Happy 2013 to you!