friday night special: rain checked

The past Friday night special was supposed to be a go--as soon as we were finished with our Christmas shopping.  In the middle of shopping, I got a phone call that made me think of everything but cooking and broke my heart.  A student that I had in middle school, and who was now in the tenth grade, had been killed in a car wreck.  I couldn't believe it, didn't want to believe.  My mind's refusal to believe that it was true didn't change the fact that, yes, it was true.  Our student was gone.

How sobering it is to realize that as he went through his normal school day, he had no idea it would be his last.  Or, when his mother told him bye when he left for school that she had no way of knowing it would be the last time she every spoke to him.  God knew though, and He promises to be near the brokenhearted.  So, will you join me in praying for this mother?  Let's storm the gates of heaven asking God to bring her heart comfort and peace, asking God to provide for her every need during this time, and for the hope that we have because of Christmas to be made real to her.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."  Psalm 34:18

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."  James 5:16



T: it was a joy to know you; you were smart and funny.  And, you kept us on our toes since we never knew what you were going to say next ;).

friday night special: an easy favorite

After traveling for Thanksgiving, things are finally back to normal around here (for a few weeks anyway).  Part of being normal means the Friday night special, which Sam and I welcomed back by turning to a favorite--bulgogi.  It's super easy to make because, unlike traditional bulgogi, it uses ground meat instead of flank steak that you have to marinate.  After a day of running around a very crowded town of Christmas shoppers, it's the perfect Friday night special--quick to make and easy to eat!  {It's a good recipe for anyone wanting to try Korean food while still playing it safe with ingredients well known to the American tastebuds.}

And, finally, what's a Friday night special without a surprise attack from a certain pipsqueak cowboy??

Who knew Friday nights at home could be so sweet :).

lingering over Thanksgiving

Snow-covered houses of a Christmas village are displayed on the fireplace.
The tree has been purchased, drug home, and decorated.
The first batch of Christmas cookies has been made.
The Christmas card picture has been taken and is being readied for the cards.
And, the Christmas shopping is underway!

These things are no different than we've done every year at this time, except this year we have some help in crossing things off the seasonal to-do list.  Sam is right in the middle of it all--hanging ornaments, carefully decorating cookies (more like dumping sprinkles onto each one), taste-testing the cookie dough (what's that about raw cookie dough not being good to eat??), making sure the Christmas village has plenty of trees, and looking oh so cute for the Christmas card picture.

Yes, the Christmas season is here and the chaos of getting "it" all done has begun.  But, my heart is lingering over Thanksgiving as I give thanks for the dark cloud that had been with me for two years, and which seemed to get darker this time of year, is lifted.  At family gatherings, there's no longer a place where Sam should be or will be.  Sam is home and has taken his place at the family table--and is eating more than his share of macaroni and cheese ;).


"Praise the Lord; give thanks to the Lord for He is good.." Psalm 106:1