Drummer Boy Video

As requested. . .

My Little Drummer Boy

Josh has been teaching Caleb how to play the Cajon (click here for more info on this cool instrument). What Caleb is lacking in skill, he makes up for in enthusiasm!

Life as a Leaf

John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

A leaf in God's wind. . . that is exactly what I feel like. One minute I am firmly attached to the tree, plugged in and being nourished. The next moment, the wind is blowing with such force that I am shaken from the security of the branches and flying helplessly through the air to only-God-knows-where. At first, it is scary, a helpless free-fall. And then I am reminded that I am but a leaf in God's wind. I am caught up, a tiny leaf, in an exhilarating windstorm. Do I trust Him? I must! He has created me, sustained me and graciously filled my life with blessing upon blessing. He cares for the sparrows and dresses the lilies; surely He will care for me, too.

I am but a leaf in God's wind. Really. . . we all are.

Friday Favorite: My Fishy Pickle

I love my Fishy Pickle ( my nickname for my Fisher & Paykel Washer). In most cases, a washer isn't something that one spends much time thinking about, but that is because, in most cases, one does not own a Fishy Pickle Washing Machine. These washers are great. . . seriously.

1) Fishy Pickles are mechanically superior.

When I was researching washers and dryers a few years ago, I learned about how washers work. Most washers have upwards of 200 moving parts! The Fisher Paykel operates on a direct drive system. How many moving parts, you ask? 16 (I'm going from memory here. . . it was either 6 or 16 so I opted for the larger number)! In my book, that translates to 178 fewer parts that can break.

2) Fishy Pickles are economical to operate.

There are two reasons the FP is economical. The first is that it requires about 1/3 the amount of soap a traditional top-load washer requires. Second, it spins at such a high speed that the clothes come out nearly dry. That means less time running the dryer.

3) Fishy Pickles are environmentally friendly.

Thanks to the Eco-Smart system, the FP has a auto-fill sensor that only fills the washer to actual level required. If there are only two articles of clothing in the washer, it will use only the amount of water needed to wash two articles of clothing. That amounts to a lot of water conservation!


4) Fishy Pickles are practical.

Last, but not least, the washer has a "delay start" feature on it that I absolutely love. I hate for my wet, clean clothes to sit in the washer for long but there are times when I can't wait around to get a load moved over to the dryer. I love being able to load my clothes at night and delay the start so that I have freshly washed clothes when I wake up in the morning. Why aren't all washers equipped with this??

I've owned this washer for about 4 years and, honestly, every time I put a load in to wash, I think to myself how glad I am that I bought this model. Sounds like an over-exaggeration, but I am telling the truth! I love my Fishy Pickle.

Going Once, Going Twice. . .

SOLD!

This morning, after only two days on the market, we signed the contract and entered the 30-day escrow period. Wow. . .God didn't waste any time.

Next step: Figure out where to live as of April 21st. Please be praying.

They came in by twosie, twosies

For Sale

Know anyone that is looking for a nice house in a quiet neighborhood? If so, send them my way.

I hate moving, but sometimes, you know it's time. Josh and I have been praying about this for several months and agree that God is leading us in a new direction. The first step: sell our house. We are waiting on God to see what the next step is. Exciting but scary. Believe me. . . we will keep you updated! In the meantime, please be praying that God would bring along just the right buyer.

Friday Favorite: Tulips

Nothing says spring better than the sight of Tulips sprouting up in my backyard! I like to call them Easter Eggs on a Stick .

Going Bananas Bread

I recently purchased a LARGE bunch of bananas, half of which turned brown before we could eat them. Why I purchased such a large bunch, I'll never know (call it Costco fever!). But don't worry. . . not a single banana went to waste. They got mushed up and baked into one of the best Banana Bread recipes I've found.

Hope you enjoy.

Going Bananas Bread

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 generous cup mashed bananas
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts/pecans
5 Tbs milk
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 9x5 loaf pan.
2. In large bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Add egg and bananas. Stir until just mixed.
3. Add flour, soda, powder, salt & cinnamon. (You can either sift the ingredients before adding OR dump them on top of the batter and use a fork to stir them slightly before mixing with rest of batter.) Mix until just combined. Do not overmix!
4. Stir in nuts, milk and vanilla.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for about 50-60 minutes, or until top is browned and cracked. Halfway through cooking time, sprinkle the top of the loaf with cinnamon and sugar for an added treat.

A Birthday Wish for Aunt Joanna

Caleb didn't realize he was supposed to hold the sign, not eat it. Oh well!




Happy Birthday! Hope this message makes it to China on time!