The Memorial- Angela

Missing this Face!

Today was Angela's memorial.  It was the most beautiful, heartfelt, touching and inspiring memorial I've ever attended.  Honestly though, I'm still numb to the reality that she's no longer here.

Hearing her friends, family, her boys and her husband share stories about her left me feeling encouraged to be a better wife, mom, mentor, prayer warrior and friend.  Even though she's no longer here with us she's still bringing out the best in everyone.

Some of the stories were funny.  Some were reflective.  Some were lively.  Many shared how Angela consistently spoke her mind.  She was honest and bold.  Loved that!  Stories from her boys were precious.  They loved their momma in so many ways!  Hearing from her little 8 year old brought sobs.  He never ceased hoping his momma would be healed.  She is now whole and healed, just not here. 

I'm so glad she chose to homeschool her boys.  She had more time with them than many moms ever experience.  She not only taught them intellectual material, she taught them to be godly leaders and great men.  What an amazing mom!  Her boys reflect the upbringing they received.  She would have been so proud of them today.  I'm sure somehow she knows and heard their heartfelt reflections.

I've never seen a couple like Angela and her husband.  They were so in love.  So many people commented on their oneness.  What they shared as husband and wife many couples strive for.  They shared 26 beautiful years of marriage.  And today I learned they met, were engaged 28 days later and married 8 months later.  It was a blessed marriage.

Reed sang a song for his beautiful bride today- "I Can Only Imagine"

Angela gave so much of herself to her family and friends.  Her love for Christ was always apparent.  She was definitely a humble servant and I'm sure when she crossed over from this world, Jesus met her and said, "Well done, good and faithful servant."  Apparently, hours before her death, her eyes opened wide, she looked up and reached upward.  I'm sure there were angels awaiting and greeting her at Heaven's gate.

She was a giver.  She gave of her time.  She gave of her resources.  She reached out to many and gave whatever she could.  We learned today, she wanted to be an organ donor, but because cancer overtook her body she didn't think she could.  The day following her death, her husband received a call from the coroner's office.  They asked if she would have liked to have her corneas donated.  Apparently, the coroner said it is the one part of the body that is still suitable for organ donation following death of a cancer patient.  Her family agreed to donate.  Angela continues to give.  Because of this selfless giving, two people will probably receive sight.  

Did I mention she was amazing?

Her family has set up the Angela Robinson Memorial Fund for donations.  At the sight you can see additional photos of this precious woman and her wonderful family.

We will continue to remember this dear friend. 

Angela consistently reminded me to slow down.  Her words are on the forefront of my mind.  It is my desire to slow down, spend more time with family and friends, simplify and take more photos.  Angela, I'm working on it.

Miss you girl!

Paleo Dinner: Thai Curry Chicken

The other night I had a Thai craving.  Thoughts of creamy coconut curry and chicken were swirling in my mind.  I had to feed the craving, but I also wanted to stick with paleo eating.  I think this meal fit the bill.

We almost always have chicken breast and coconut milk on hand, so I figured I could throw something together. 

We were all happy with the results. 

I just used the vegetables we had available.  There are many possibilities for variations.

Thai Chicken Curry 

Ingredients

4 large chicken breasts
3 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup diced onion
1 cup sliced carrot
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup mixed peppers, sliced
2 large garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon coriander seed
1 teaspoon cumin seed
4 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
chile paste (optional)

1 can (full-fat) coconut milk

1)  Heat coconut oil in large frying pan.  Add garlic, coriander, cumin, and curry powder.  Add chicken and cook thoroughly.  Be careful not to overcook, or chicken will be tough.

Full Flavor Spices

Add Chicken

2)  Add carrots, onion, celery and peppers and saute a couple minutes.  Add cabbage.  It cooks quickly.  You want tender vegetables, not mushy veggies.

3)  Add can of coconut milk.  Let heat thoroughly.  Serve.

Brownie S'mores

On August 10th we celebrated National S'mores Day.  I often wonder who determines national days of celebration as this, but we'll gladly participate!

Rather than just making s'mores we made S'mores Brownies.  This is an easy dessert kids can make.  They do need help with the oven, but the mixing and topping is a fun activity for the littles.

S'mores Brownies
(recipe from About.com)

Ingredients

1 box fudge brownie mix
1/3 cup water
3 eggs
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 cups mini marshmallows
2 whole graham crackers
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13 pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2.Beat brownie mix, water, eggs and oil together, about 50 strokes.

3.Pour into prepared pan. Bake 20-24 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

4.Sprinkle marshmallows over brownies. Break up graham crackers into bite-sized pieces, and nestle them between the marshmallows, pressing gently into the brownies to make them stick. Raise the oven temperature to broil. Return the brownies to oven (on the middle rack - not too close to the ceiling of the oven), and bake 1-3 more minutes, until the marshmallows brown. Watch carefully, so the marshmallows don't burn. Let the brownies cool 15 minutes before cutting.

We may have added a few extra marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate.

Loaded with goodness!

Be careful...the marshmallows brown SO quickly!

Amazing, gooey yumminess!

Missing Angela

What a weekend, and not in a good way.  On Friday, as posted, we lost our dear family cat, Luke.  Luke's passing was unexpected and left a huge hole in our family.

We decided to just get away from the sadness for a couple days and enjoy family time together on a staycation vacation in San Diego.  We went to Coronado and then spent the day at the San Diego Zoo.  Being together, relaxing, looking at interesting animals distracted us from our reality of loss, but also allowed us to talk about Lukey and remember what a great kitty friend he was.

On our way home from the zoo, I received a phone call.  A friend called to let me know my dear friend, Angela, had lost her long, courageous battle with cancer. 

With Angela just over a year ago.

Angela

I don't have a long history of friendship with Angela like many people do.  I've only known her for two years.  I wish it was more and regret we didn't have more time to share life, but I am confident God had a plan in bringing us together.

Prior to our move to SoCal, my hub and I made a couple trips down to house hunt.  On one of the visits we stopped by a church a lady on the plane had mentioned.  We met a staff member there and told him of our upcoming move to the area.  We shared we were a homeschool family looking to meet other homeschoolers.  He then gave me the name, Angela.  She was the gal to know if we needed anything homeschool.

A few months later, our move was complete and we began attending the church we visited. I hadn't found Angela yet, but I was consistently on the lookout.  Meeting Angela became my mission.  I was going to find her even though I didn't know what she looked like or who she was.  Every week I scoped out the church looking for her.  I'm really not Mrs. Stalkarazzi, even though it sounds like it.  I just knew we were supposed to meet.

A couple weeks later, I found her.  I'm not sure how it all happened, but she was standing in the hall talking with another homeschool mom.  I waited for them to finish their conversation and then introduced myself to her, and her friend, Hali.  I told them we were new to the area and thus began the two year friendship with these gals.

These gals introduced our family to many other homeschool families and we soon became connected.

Soon thereafter, I sent out an email inviting these new found friends to a boys book club.  I've hosted book clubs in the past and wanted to start a new one.  Angela said she sensed from God that they were supposed to be involved.  At this time she was battling cancer with chemotherapy and they were limiting some of their activities, but she was led to be part of the group.

Book club meetings were twice a month so we all had guaranteed friend time to grow in our friendships. 

Angela was a godsend in my life.  Not only did we have similar homeschool philosophies, we were kindred conservative sisters.  It's not too often I find a friend as passionate about conservative politics as I am, but Angela was THE GIRL.  I'm going to miss our conversations.  It's just so encouraging to know you have someone on your side, who knows what you're thinking and doesn't want to argue with you.  It's refreshing to say the least!  And I also loved that Angela defended me like a true friend on more than one occasion.  Thank you Angela for speaking up like a big sister!

Her amazing strength was inspiring.  Some moms complain about normal homeschool and family life duties, but she did these duties while making frequent doctor visits for chemotherapy, radiation, and check-ups.  I never heard her complain.  She took it all in stride with unceasing faith.  And she managed to graduate two of her boys who are now in college and continued to homeschool her youngest three.

There were so many questions I had for her about what to do next since she was farther along in the homeschooling journey.  I regret not asking more, taking more photos, and soaking up her friendship.

It's hard for me to completely grasp that she is now with Jesus.  I'm so glad she was a confident woman of faith.  She knew her Creator and lived a life full of miracles.  She was a walking miracle as the doctors told her many times.  I know she now walks pain-free in Heaven and is completely restored.

Angela taught me many things, but what I admired most was her commitment to family, her undying faith, her steadfast dependence on prayer, and her will to live.  Angela, you're an amazing woman and friend and I look forward to one day seeing you again.

Precious Thoughts

Our kids are feeling the bummed-ness and we're all trying to find some joy in our day.  I'm getting many offers for hugs.

Our little middle precious just stashed this under our door.

I think he wants me to take it to Starbuck's because Starbuck's makes a momma feel better. 

Love this kid!

Strange Days

It's strange waking up without a pet.  I've had pets for most of my life and consistently had one for over the last 20+ years, with exception to the couple weeks we had a cat go missing.  Being an animal person, having a pet kind of completes life.  I loved waking up to my Luke purring beside me or hearing the kids get up because he was on their bed purring so loud they could no longer sleep.  He loved sleeping with the kids.

This morning we said our final good-byes to The Luke-ster giving us all time to reflect on what  an impact he had on our lives.

Luke showed up at a perfect time. 

We were living in rural Washington state.  We had recently lost our dog, Sam.  After Sammy died our orange tabby cat, Louis, had  hard time adjusting to life without Sam and he disappeared.  Living in the country with coyotes, we suspected the worst, but hoped for the best.  We hoped for two weeks Louis would return.  I placed ads on Craig's List, visited the local animal shelters, posted Lost Cat notices, but no responses.

After about two weeks, with a heavy heart I took Louis's water bowl and placed it in the dishwasher.  While doing this, I felt like I was being watched.  Creepy!  I looked around and then looked out our large kitchen window.  Sitting on our bar-be-que, staring back at me was an orange tabby cat.  Could it be?  Did Louis return?

I opened up the back sliding glass door to a scrawny, malnourished orange tabby with a spiked collar.  This was not my Louis for sure.  The kids thought it might be, but I reassured them this orange tabby was missing a couple extra toes and Louis definitely would not have worn a spiked collar.  When I opened the door, he immediately ran to the laundry room to eat from the cat food bowl.  He ate like there was no tomorrow.  How did he know the food was in there?

We weren't sure where this tabby had come from, but began to think he was sent by God.  Immediately we began the name hunt.  This new cat needed a name if he was going to hang around the house.  I liked the African name Foluke.  It means "Protected by God."  It is a girl name, but I figured if this cat survived the rural life with wild animals, it was definitely protected by God.  The kids liked the name Luke, as in Skywalker.  We agreed he'd be called "Luke."

We placed ads on Craig's List and called local vets alerting we found a cat, but no one claimed our Luke.  He had found his FAMILY and we found the perfect cat to complete our family!

Within the first week we took him to the veterinarian for a check-up.  He guessed Luke was about 3-4 years old based on his dental development.

Immediately, Lukey cozied up to our family sleeping with my hub on the couch, cuddling with the kids.  He'd let them carry him around like a baby, dress him up, etc.  This is the most patient cat I've ever seen. 

When my husband was transferred to Orange County, Luke didn't miss a beat.  I was concerned that he would not adjust well to city life after being a country cat, but he did so well.  Upon moving in, he quickly greeted and made friends with the neighbors.  Everyone knew and loved Lukey.  He loved being outside, laying on the brick wall watching over his kingdom. 

I know in my heart, Luke was sent to us, "Protected by God."  My heart grieves his loss, but I'm so thankful for the years we had with him.

A heartache of a day...Part 2

In addition to Luke's news, I woke up to a hearthbreaking email this morning in my inbox.  A dear friend, who's been struggling with cancer has taken a turn for the worst. 

Some days life just doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but I know we live in a broken down world and the best awaits us.  So, if you read this and can say a prayer for my friend, I'd really appreciate it!  She's an amazing woman of faith and fellow homeschool mom of five boys. 

Life here is temporary, but eternity is forever.

A heartache of a day...

This morning I woke up to my Luke cuddling up to me, or was he peeing next to me?  I wasn't sure.  I jumped out of bed, rushed him to the laundry room where the litter box is, and then began the changing of my sheets.  I'm still not sure if he intended to pee or if he was dripping urine and then he realized it too late.  I wondered if his recent medical problems were causing incontinence. 

Time to call the vet again.  I called as soon as I could and got him in this morning.  The news is bad.  His bladder is once again blocked and the vet said he's in a great deal of pain.  They took x-rays and saw his bladder is very enlarged.  She thought this problem would continue unless he had a very expensive surgery to widen his urethra.  Her recommendation...put him out of his misery.

My heart aches.  I love this cat.

How does someone make this kind of decision in a minute?

I'm at a loss.  We had a little bit of time in the office.  I wanted to bring him home, but she said it would be selfish if I brought him home for the day because he's in pain.

He's the best cat and this whole ordeal really sucks.

Luckily, I had my camera.  We had a few moments.  He was purring like crazy.  He doesn't even have a clue about what's going on.  Did I mention how miserable this is? 

I feel for this little precious who appeared on our back deck about 3-4 years ago as a scrawny, bony runaway donning a spiked collar.  He adopted us and easily adjusted when we moved from the Pacific Northwest country life to Orange County.  He's loved by so many in our neighborhood.  In fact, there are people in our neighborhood who know Luke, but don't know us.  He has so many friends.

Should have tried for the self-portrait before today.

I Love You, Luke.

It doesn't get any easier than this...Paleo Chicken Burger

I made a visit to our local farmstand yesterday.  It's the best!  It's a large outdoor stand just a couple miles from home owned by local farmers.  A great deal of the produce is farmed beind the stand and much of it is organic.  It's all arranged in a tidy fashion, but the best part is the cool jazz playing in the background.  It's vegetable buying mood music.  I buy much more when listening to mood music.

I came home with a huge head of leafy green lettuce, tomatoes, giant avocados, fresh onions, asparagus and a whole lot more!  About 6 bags worth.

Tonight, after a pretty tough workout, I came home hungry, but didn't have a plan.  We needed something quick, yet healthy!  Having the fresh produce on hand made nutrtious meal planning easy.

First, turn on the grill.  Grilling can be super quick.  Turn on the oven to 425 degrees.

What's in the freezer?  Chicken thighs.  Easy.  Defrost chicken thighs while grill is heating up. 

Wash asparagus and lettuce.  Slice, onion, tomato, avocado. 

Place asparagus on foil sheet on grill.  Drizzle with olive oil.  Sprinkle with kosher salt.  Grill.

Love the asparagus!

Next place chicken thighs on grill.  I know there are beef burgers on the grill too.  We have a hungry crowd to feed.

In the meantime, bake sweet potato fries.  I forgot to mention them earlier.  Yummy to have on hand.  Fresh sweet potatoes on the grill are yummy too, but not tonight.

Wait...

Dinner is served.

Yummy chicken thigh burger wrap, grilled asparagus, and sweet potato fries.  Yes!  Mission accomplished!

I hope you can see the chicken under all the veggies.

Dreams Do Come True

This is what JOY looks like!

Yesterday I saw a dream come true.  I witnessed a beautiful friend marry the man of her dreams.

Following the wedding, as we were walking by she peeked out this window.  Seeing her reminded me of Portuguese women whom I saw leaning out windows of white-washed homes on narrow cobblestone streets when I lived in the Azores as a child.  It was a common occurrence to see a single woman leaning out an open window while the man who was courting her would be in the street below.  (Notice, my dear friend's man is no longer in the street below).

Courtship.  What does it look like and what is it supposed to be?  There are many books written on the subject, but what I saw in the relationship of this precious couple over the last year offers a great definition.  Hope, commitment, determination, sacrifice, love, and most importantly a Christ-centeredness.

Just over two years ago, I met this kind-hearted, gentle young gal while volunteering at a summer Vacation Bible School week through our church.  Following our week of VBS, two of the gals and I formed a Bible study group.  They were both single and wanted to meet with an "older" mentor.  God had placed mentorship on my heart, but I wasn't sure who I was to mentor.  He figured it all out!  Our group of three grew to four and we've been meeting consistently for the past two years.

In addition to the bride, here are my other girlies.

Over the last couple years we've done many studies and had many conversations, but one of our most commonly discussed topics is being a single Christian woman.  We're currently doing a study on Falling in Love With Jesus.  It's applicable to both married and single women.  It's written by a married woman, Dee Brestin, and a single woman, Kathy Troccoli.  It's been a great book to remind us of our First Love and to seek after Him.  Daily, I gain nuggets to cling to as we are all continuing to grow in our relationship with Him.

Although it's been many years since I've been single, I know there are times it can be tough. Life can be tough married or single, but we're reminded God has a plan.  We cling to that!  In Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message) God reminds us, "I know what I'm doing.  I have it all planned out- plans to take care of you, not to abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."

We all need that reminder now and again.  He knows what He's doing.  He has our future planned out.  Sometimes it's just hard to be patient.
I've been so incredibly blessed by these gals sharing their hearts and lives with me.  I think of how much each of us has grown through our struggles, achievements, heartaches, and joy.  I especially love how God has knit our hearts together for such a time as this.

About a year ago, I told my gals, I hoped to see them walk down the aisle.  God is faithful and we've seen his answered prayers.  I'm so excited for what lies ahead for our precious newlyweds. 

Our newlywed gave us the book, Ocean Star, awhile back.   Here's The Ocean Star Blessing for my girls.  It is written by Christina DiMari.

Today, may you now your are a Star that is Designed to Shine.
Always stay connected to your Source of Life &
May the Living Water make you whole.
Always travel with a pod of people who bring out the best in you &
May you be protected from those who would destroy your Dreams.
Always remember your Heart is the wellspring of life &
May it be guarded by Truth and filled with Peace.
Always hold on to your Rock when the waves of adversity come &
May you be surprised by Pearls of encouragement along the way.
Always Look Up when choosing which way to go &
May the Bright Morning Star light your path.
Always believe in the infinite possibilities that are born of Faith &
May you use your gifts to Shine Brightly for others.~

Montebello's Organic Roman Farro Salad

Recipes on packages can be a great place to begin if you're not sure how to try out a new food item.  On the back of the of the Montebello Organic Farro Perlato package (sold by Whole Foods, Imported by Spruce Foods) is a recipe for a wonderful farro salad.  You need to begin this recipe the night before to soak the farro properly.

Organic Roman Farro Salad

14 ounces Montebello Organic Farro
6 cups water & 2 tablespoons salt

1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives
1/4 cup capers
2 large garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4-1/2 cup organic extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chopped basil
salt & pepper to taste.

Soak farro in cold water for at least 8 hours.  Drain and combine farro with 6 cups fresh water in a medium saucepan.  Add salt.  Bring to boil over high heat.  Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until farro is tender, about 30 minutes.  Drain well, then transfer to a large bowl to cool.

Add tomatoes, basil, olives and capers to farro and toss.  Add the garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil and toss.  The salad can be refrigerated overnight.  Bring to room temperature before serving.

For nutritional information check out the Farro post.

Beautiful Ingredients



Enjoy!