Prayers, Wishes, and Shamrocks: 3 Words to Start the Week

Monday March 15, 2010

New week, new words.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Here are three words that characterize my week:

1. Prayers - One of my sons is on a mission trip to Mexico. Yes, I know there's a travel advisory out for Mexico, but when I texted my son, he replied: "They're not worried, Mom. Our location is safe." But I'm a mom, and this week I'm definitely a praying mom. If you'd like to join me, go right ahead -- I'd appreciate it!

2. Wishes - Oh, I wish all my rough drafts were graded. I'm a teacher, and that pile of papers is staring at me, glaring at me, and I must get them done this week!

3. Shamrocks - Yes, St. Paddy's Day is coming! I'll dig for something green to wear with my red hair and maybe even speak with an Irish brogue on Wednesday.

What about you? Leave a comment and share your three words for this week!

Happy week,

Music, Loved Ones, Books -- Blessings!

Friday March 12, 2010

Can you name five blessings from the past week? Friday’s Fave Five, hosted by Susanne from Living to Tell the Story, is a perfect way to share your blessings. Go visit her to read all about it.

Here are five blessings from my week.

1. A beautiful musical – Our students are producing The King and I this weekend, and the first performance was just beautiful. These kids have incredible voices and a desire for excellence. They inspire me! And I do love Rodgers and Hammerstein.

2. Shared plans and goals – My hubby and I are far too busy right now, with writing, grading, the musical, projects, work…but it’s nice that we share the same sentiment. We know this is temporary and we’re getting through it, but we’ve both expressed we don’t like being so pushed that our time together is limited. It’s like we’re holding hands, taking a deep breath, and jumping across the chasm of the next two weeks in tandem – and anticipating the peace of the other side.

3. My students – They’re the reason I teach. This week I’ve seen hearts that are wounded at home spill over with joy and peace in an atmosphere of Christ’s love. I’ve seen pride on the faces of kids who dreaded every minute of research, as they proudly handed in rough drafts. I love these kids.

4. A family of integrity – You don’t run across people like this every day. I know a dear family that is such an example, and they’ve lived that recently for all those around them. They have evident faith in God and love for each other, and when they’re pressed in on every side, they take the high road. What a blessing!

5. A good book to read aloud – You might think high school sophomores don’t like to be read to, but we’re reading a Christian historical novel, much of it in class. I love to see them scouring the book as I do the voices, or see their eyes riveted on me as I read. It’s worth every second to think they might be inspired to immerse themselves in a novel themselves in the future, or at least appreciate a good story with a noble message.

Those are my blessings. Leave a comment and share your blessings, too.

Have a great weekend!

An Easy Meal for the Family

Wednesday, March 10, 2010



Here's another easy, family-friendly recipe for you to try.

It's so much easier than any of my other lasagne recipes, and my boys all like it. It's not super-spicy (which is just fine with my "meat and potatoes" bunch), but I'm sure you could add spices as needed.

EXTRA-EASY LASAGNE

3/4 lb. ground beef, 3 cups traditional spaghetti sauce (whatever bottled brand you prefer), 6 DRY lasagne noodles, 1 container (15 oz.) ricotta or cottage cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup water

Brown ground beef and add spaghetti sauce. Heat through, stirring often. In 2 qt. oblong baking dish, spread 1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce mixture. Top with 3 noodles, half the ricottta, and half the mozzarella; repeat. Top with remaining spaghetti sauce mixture. Slowly pour water around inside edge of dish; cover. Bake at 375 for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. Makes 8 servings.

This goes together quickly and my boys love it. If there's any left over, I freeze the squares wrapped in plastic wrap. The boys call them "lasagne bricks"!

Give it a try. Hope you enjoy.

If you have a recipe to share with us, just leave a comment with your address, and we'll all come 'round to see you!

Happy eating!

Home Sweet Home, a Book, and Spring: Three Words to Start the Week

Monday March 8, 2010

I've had an interesting (and exciting) four days. Here are three words to start off my week:

1. HOME - I've been away for several days and while it's been great, it's good to be home again. Yes, there was tons of laundry to do (they tried, but it was still in stages), and I did have to hit the grocery store, but all of that just made me feel needed. Well, I wouldn't have minded if they'd finished the laundry. Regardless, it's great to come home to open arms and eyes that light up when they see you.

2. NOVEL - I was at a writers conference and it was wonderful. I took a novel I've been working on and a publishing company has asked to see the complete manuscript...so I have some completing to do. I am shocked, thrilled, and overjoyed -- not to mention scared.

3. SPRING - It's coming, isn't it? It's March, after all. That's a good sign. Our climate here is much milder than most, but regardless, the idea of spring makes me smile.

What's making YOU smile as we start this week?

Take Off Your Shoes

“Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God;

But only he who sees, takes off his shoes -

The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.”

Elizabeth Barret Browning

Every common bush is afire with God.

In our busy lives, we so often just pass the heaven-crammed sights by.

Slow down.

Take your child by the hand and ponder what you see.

Enjoy the wonder.

Then, in a gesture of honor to the One who imbues our world with wonder, take off your shoes.

What have you seen this week that showed His wonder?