This is a lightly-flavored lemon sponge cake dusted with powdered sugar with lightly-flavored lemon cream. I was trying to copycat the lemon cream cake at Olive Garden for my friend on Saturday. We both liked it ok...sampled another taste...it is almost like it...sampled another taste...we need to go back to Olive Garden for the real thing!Tuesday, April 7, 2009
SWEET!
This is a lightly-flavored lemon sponge cake dusted with powdered sugar with lightly-flavored lemon cream. I was trying to copycat the lemon cream cake at Olive Garden for my friend on Saturday. We both liked it ok...sampled another taste...it is almost like it...sampled another taste...we need to go back to Olive Garden for the real thing!
I've seen this before...
THE INVISIBLE MOTHER
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30 , please.' I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England ...Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.' In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one willever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.' I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.' At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. When I really think about it, I don't want my child to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.' As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women (and men.) We all feel like what we do, how we act, isn't seen or appreciated. Maybe here it isn't always. But each thing we do, in grace, is made to work for His good. Keep doing what you think is right, no matter who isn't looking.
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30 , please.' I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England ...Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.' In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one willever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.' I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.' At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. When I really think about it, I don't want my child to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.' As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women (and men.) We all feel like what we do, how we act, isn't seen or appreciated. Maybe here it isn't always. But each thing we do, in grace, is made to work for His good. Keep doing what you think is right, no matter who isn't looking.
The results...
of one night of sickness...plus the regular loads...
is a playground for one little guy...
and a mountain of work for another! We all muddled through and conquerored Mount WashMeMore!Monday, April 6, 2009
Flu...lingers...
Why does sickness always strike on Saturday night? It is incredible to me as I look back...it is always on Saturdays! Alisa took her turn this week...every hour on the hour...I still am out of whack after sporadic sleep...but she is doing better! Who will be next?
***Thinking all was well with Alisa...I had high hopes of going to our revival services tonight...then Little Miss got warm and has now been sleeping for over an hour...I knew it was too good to be true...she was doing so well after laying around all morning. I guess...it took me two and a half days to regroup too...which puts Alisa to missing the whole week of school (due to that 24 hour quarrantine they like you to follow...and yes, I follow that! So we missed Monday and we are now working on Tuesday which leaves two more...till...)...at least she will be fine for spring break next week!
We have all been sick with the flu now at some point or another...with a couple repeat offenders. We are willing to be done with the bug and I have attempted to bleach it out of our house. So far...all I think I have done is damaged my sinus passages and burned my eyes and throat with the fumes!
***Thinking all was well with Alisa...I had high hopes of going to our revival services tonight...then Little Miss got warm and has now been sleeping for over an hour...I knew it was too good to be true...she was doing so well after laying around all morning. I guess...it took me two and a half days to regroup too...which puts Alisa to missing the whole week of school (due to that 24 hour quarrantine they like you to follow...and yes, I follow that! So we missed Monday and we are now working on Tuesday which leaves two more...till...)...at least she will be fine for spring break next week!
We have all been sick with the flu now at some point or another...with a couple repeat offenders. We are willing to be done with the bug and I have attempted to bleach it out of our house. So far...all I think I have done is damaged my sinus passages and burned my eyes and throat with the fumes!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Mud and Bugs...rich in carbs, high in sugar, low in nutritional value!
I finally followed through with what I have been saying for months in response to the question..."What's for breakfast...or lunch, or snack, or supper?" My answer every time is "Mud and bugs!" So for our after school snack on Thursday...that is what they finally got! It is always fun to find graham crackers in different shapes...and it solved the problem of having only one brownie left! Crumble it with other cookie crumbs and put it over ice cream with chocolate sauce! Maybe I should start a cooking show...101 Ways to Make Leftovers Stretch Farther...the kids can be my critics...they usually do it very well!Friday, April 3, 2009
Resting...
...in Jesus...finding out His greatness...and His loving heart...
I just took a few minutes tonight before I go to bed to read back through the events of this week...and listened to the music play through..."Jesus, I Am Resting." I can honestly say, I feel rested and not weary. I have found myself stopping and saying to myself over and over...since Wednesday night..."Stop it...Refocus...Did you think to pray?" Do you know...the Lord has answered "those little prayers" in His all sufficient way every time!? I know He knows "the big ones" and has those well under control...but as I yield to His way in the little things...all is well! Oh...I still didn't handle everything in the right way...just ask my children! There were many times I was "met with great temptation" (thoughts and attitudes and etc.), my "heart filled with anger" (Just drive the route back and forth to school several times a day with other incompetent and inattentive drivers with children in your vehicle), and dealt with "sore trials that came upon you" (Don't tell me the supervising of getting everyone up (which is why Ted handles this!!!) and ready for the school day...and out to the car with all needed paraphernalia on the day after Awana night...which is also the fourth day of SAT testing is not a trial!)
But I can't escape the Holy Spirit's tender voice..."Did you think to pray?"
So tonight...I am physically tired...but not weary! It is a good way to end the week...and keep the challenge for the weekend and the new week before me!
I just took a few minutes tonight before I go to bed to read back through the events of this week...and listened to the music play through..."Jesus, I Am Resting." I can honestly say, I feel rested and not weary. I have found myself stopping and saying to myself over and over...since Wednesday night..."Stop it...Refocus...Did you think to pray?" Do you know...the Lord has answered "those little prayers" in His all sufficient way every time!? I know He knows "the big ones" and has those well under control...but as I yield to His way in the little things...all is well! Oh...I still didn't handle everything in the right way...just ask my children! There were many times I was "met with great temptation" (thoughts and attitudes and etc.), my "heart filled with anger" (Just drive the route back and forth to school several times a day with other incompetent and inattentive drivers with children in your vehicle), and dealt with "sore trials that came upon you" (Don't tell me the supervising of getting everyone up (which is why Ted handles this!!!) and ready for the school day...and out to the car with all needed paraphernalia on the day after Awana night...which is also the fourth day of SAT testing is not a trial!)
But I can't escape the Holy Spirit's tender voice..."Did you think to pray?"
So tonight...I am physically tired...but not weary! It is a good way to end the week...and keep the challenge for the weekend and the new week before me!
I can retire..?
...Chevy has taken over as guardian of my little buddy! The only problem...when someone rings the doorbell or knocks...Chevy barks ferociously as he comes out of his deep slumber...and scares the little guy to death! So this week...we graduated to the pack-n-play in the girl's room with the door shut...both "boys" nap just as well...and my little buddy and I don't hyperventilate when Chevy barks! Well, that and my little buddy is on the move more and more each day...didn't want to wait for "the big thud" off the bed!Thursday, April 2, 2009
A Moment Of Honesty WITHOUT Tact!
...As relayed to me...and Grandma...by a nice lady in our church...
"I just had a conversation with your daughter...and your grand-daughter, the older one...I forget their names...Ash...she was in yellow? She said something as she skipped by and I said, 'What did you say, honey?' "Oh nothing." "Oh, please say it again, I can't hear too well out of this ear, sometimes that happens when you are old like me and a Grandma.' "Oh... well, you know Grandma, the one who has a Papa who broke his arm, she is old like you and she doesn't have that problem." Grandma and I looked at each other, then at this nice lady, and we all broke into a fit of laughter. Grandma and I said in unison, "Oh, that doesn't sound like Ashlynn...that had to be Alisa..." And then I crawled under the pew muttering an apology to the very nice lady.
"I just had a conversation with your daughter...and your grand-daughter, the older one...I forget their names...Ash...she was in yellow? She said something as she skipped by and I said, 'What did you say, honey?' "Oh nothing." "Oh, please say it again, I can't hear too well out of this ear, sometimes that happens when you are old like me and a Grandma.' "Oh... well, you know Grandma, the one who has a Papa who broke his arm, she is old like you and she doesn't have that problem." Grandma and I looked at each other, then at this nice lady, and we all broke into a fit of laughter. Grandma and I said in unison, "Oh, that doesn't sound like Ashlynn...that had to be Alisa..." And then I crawled under the pew muttering an apology to the very nice lady.
"Questions stir the conscience...accusations harden the will."
I have heard this quote many times...from my father! And I couldn't help but think of this last night during our Bible Study time when someone requested that we sing this song... "Did You Think To Pray?" Honestly...NO, not usually...that is the last thing I think to do...but why? Oh, I pray about the "really big and important matters" and continue to struggle on my way with the little daily events and become weary and frustrated! Does that even make sense?! By the end of the song...all four verses...I couldn't see through the tears and my heart was convicted! The one thing that God has given me...access to Him on a moment by moment basis and I don't even take the time to "Think to Pray"! I get uptight, agitated, frustrated, teary, angry, annoyed, and so on...a whirlwind of activity...when I should be still and just pray! It is so simple...and yet, I complicate things! "God is not the author of confusion...but of power, of love, and of a sound mind!"
Did You Think To Pray? Words by Mary Kidder
Ere you left your room this morning, Did you think to pray? In the name of Christ our Savior, Did you sue for loving favor, As a shield today?
O HOW PRAYING RESTS THE WEARY! PRAYER WILL CHANGE THE NIGHT TO DAY; SO WHEN LIFE SEEMS DARK AND DREARY, DON'T FORGET TO PRAY.
When you met with great temptation, Did you think to pray? By His dying love and merit, Did you claim the Holy Spirit, As your guide and stay?
When your heart was filled with anger, Did you think to pray? Did you plead for grace, my brother, That you might forgive another, Who had crossed your way?
When sore trials came upon you, Did you think to pray? When your soul was bowed in sorrow, Balm of Gilead did you borrow, At the gates of day?
Did You Think To Pray? Words by Mary Kidder
Ere you left your room this morning, Did you think to pray? In the name of Christ our Savior, Did you sue for loving favor, As a shield today?
O HOW PRAYING RESTS THE WEARY! PRAYER WILL CHANGE THE NIGHT TO DAY; SO WHEN LIFE SEEMS DARK AND DREARY, DON'T FORGET TO PRAY.
When you met with great temptation, Did you think to pray? By His dying love and merit, Did you claim the Holy Spirit, As your guide and stay?
When your heart was filled with anger, Did you think to pray? Did you plead for grace, my brother, That you might forgive another, Who had crossed your way?
When sore trials came upon you, Did you think to pray? When your soul was bowed in sorrow, Balm of Gilead did you borrow, At the gates of day?
You have got to be kidding!
I guess it was the best seat in the house yesterday afternoon! Yes...Chevy has preferences...any spot in the sun! My poor little buddy lost his chair for the afternoon sunbathing session...good thing it was nap time!Wednesday, April 1, 2009
A Thoughtful Mother-In-Law...
made supper for her poor, sick daughter-in-law, overworked son, and grandchildren! It was the first "real food" I have had and it tasted sooooo good! (Probably because I didn't have to make it!) I don't know the official title of the dish..but it had a "taco-ey" flair...with cheese melted over the top. Teddy said, "We should get this recipe from Grandma sometime!" "Thanks, Grandma!"
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