Blooming Buds!!

Russell & I are no less than AMAZED at how much and how quickly our Orchid has bloomed!
This is in less than a month! And it requires no attention! I think we've watered twice...that's it!

Early February:

Late February:

Thank you, Honey!!!

Aunt Ora's Fresh Apple Cake

I've been waiting since November for an opportunity to take breakfast to our community group! I finally got our names on the sign-up sheet for this passed Sunday!! I tried this fresh apple cake that one of Russell's aunts baked at our Thanksgiving gathering, and I wanted a chance to make it for our friends. It was a hit!! So, if you were in community group this Sunday, and you liked the breakfast, here's the recipe! It's been in Russell's mom's family at least 4 generations...I can taste why! :)
Ingredients:
2.5 Cups Flour
2 Cups Sugar
1 Cup Shortening or Butter
4 Eggs
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Allspice
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1-2 Tablespoons Vanilla
1/2 Cup Warm Water
3 Medium Apples - peeled and chopped
1/2 Cup Raisins (optional)
Directions:
Mix sugar and shortening with mixer. Add eggs one at a time, using mixer. Blend in cinnamon, allspice, soda and vanilla. Add flour and water. Stir in chopped apples & raisins (optional). Bake in greased bundt pan at 350 50-60 minutes.

Oatmeal Whole Wheat Quick Bread

Fresh, healthy bread, anyone?
This bread recipe is much like the whole wheat baguette at Panera Bread...super healthy with high fiber! It's best right out of the oven...hot crispy crust all around, soft and warm on the inside. Mmmmmmmmmmm....
I made the mistake of thinking this was going to be sweet and dessert-like, but remember that it's 'quick bread,' more like a sandwich or dinner bread. Russell and I sweetened it up with a lot of butter and honey! :)

Original recipe yield: 1 loaf

INGREDIENTS
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milled flax seed, optional
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons vanilla flavoring

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grind oatmeal in a food processor or blender. In a large bowl, combine oatmeal, flour, baking powder, salt and milled flax seeds. In a separate bowl, dissolve honey in vegetable oil then stir in the milk and vanilla. Combine both mixtures and stir until a soft dough is formed. Dump the dough into a lightly oiled loaf pan.
Bake in preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until bottom of loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Oh, the BEST of Surprises!! Thank you, Russell!!

Russell,

You cannot know how you've just made my day! You were just out of town! How could you just walk through my office door with this HUGE box of chocolates?!?! God absolutely astonishes me of HIS love for me through you!

Thank you!

I praise our Lord for how He blesses me through your thoughtfulness!

I love you!
MUAH!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I was thinking about Valentine's Day yesterday...I've always 'just celebrated' it because it was the 'thing to do.' It's always been fun, and the candy's absolutely a 'given'!! :)
This morning, however, I have a new appreciation for the holiday. Perhaps because I'm married this Valentine's. God has opened my eyes in a deeper way so that I see this day as a special day to LOVE & APPRECIATE the people in my life!

BIG HUG to you on this Happy Valentine's Day!

The 'Wright' Salsa

Russell has edited and I think 'perfected' a salsa recipe that everyone raves about! It has a great 'kick,' and is not sweet like lots of other salsas out there.

Releasing the 'Wright' family salsa recipe...

Ingredients:
-2 cans of stewed tomatoes (Del Monte Mexican recipe)
-2 cans of Rotel tomatoes
-1/2 can of black beans, optional
-1/2 can of whole kernel corn, optional
-1 handful fresh cilantro or 1 Tablespoon dried cilantro
-juice of one lime
-1 Tablespoon cumin (this adds the 'bite')
-1 Tablespoon garlic powder
-1 Teaspoon salt (or not; you can always add, but can't take away!!)
Directions:
a) Strain the stewed tomatos, then blend to desired consistency (blender works perfectly)
b) Strain the rotel, then add to mix
c) Rinse thoroughly and strain black beans and corn, then add to mix (for chunkier salsa)
d) Add all remaining ingredients
e) Stir and serve at room temperature
f) Refrigerate leftovers...if any.

Enjoy!!!

My New Hobby - Reading...Hopefully for Edification Purposes!!

And the Shofar Blew
by Francine Rivers

I just finished this book, and I highly recommend it! It shares the Gospel over & over in the midst of real-life experiences, or 'human blunders.' It's encouraging, as the author ties in Scripture that you'll remember and be encouraged to share with others in need.
Here's the author's synopsis:
In the Old Testament, God called his people to action with the blast of the shofar, a ram's horn. God still calls his people today. In this relevant and timely contemporary novel, dynamic young preacher Paul Hudson is committed to building his church--but at what cost? As Paul's zeal and ambition build, he loses sight of the One who called him. As Paul and those around him struggle to discern what it truly means to live out their faith, they must ultimately choose between their own will or God's plan.

Cuban Midnight Sandwiches

I found this recipe at All Recipes, and it was perfect for an easy & yummy dinner so that we could focus on fellowshipping with our great company last night!
We actually changed up the recipe just a little - using Basil Pesto, rather than the Italian dressing or mustard, and substituting Mozzarella & Pepper Jack cheeses for the Swiss. We just pressed them in our George Forman grill, and "Voila!" Easy Panini-Style Cuban Sandwiches, loaded with meat and cheese! :)

We served the sandwiches with Johnny Ray's Cole Slaw and, of course, Russell's homemade salsa and tortilla chips! Everyone seemed delighted, so we recommend it!

PREP TIME: 20 Min
COOK TIME: 5 Min
READY IN: 25 Min
SERVINGS: 4 sandwiches

INGREDIENTS
1 cup mayonnaise
5 tablespoons Italian dressing
4 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise
4 tablespoons prepared mustard
1/2 pound thinly sliced deli turkey meat
1/2 pound thinly sliced cooked ham
1/2 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese
1 cup dill pickle slices
1/2 cup olive oil

DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and Italian dressing. Spread mixture on hoagie rolls. Spread each roll with mustard. On each roll, arrange layers of turkey, ham, and cheese. Top each with dill pickle slices. Close sandwiches, and brush tops and bottoms with olive oil.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Place sandwiches in skillet. Cook sandwiches for 2 minutes, pressing down with a plate covered with aluminum foil. Flip, and cook for 2 more minutes, or until cheese is melted. Remove from heat, place on plates, and cut in half diagonally.

A New Dining Experience

Russell is driving to Arkansas today, camping and kayaking with his friend Chris Kear for the weekend, to return home Sunday evening. I'm going to our MBCC women's retreat in just a few hours through Saturday night! We're eager to be with our friends and excited to delight in whatever the Lord has in store for us this weekend, even being apart from one another!
Of course, having gone on a sweet date night last night sure encouraged our hearts, knowing that we'd be apart this weekend. We tried out a new place in town, Newk's! Birmingham already has two locations - downtown and Hwy 280, near Whole Foods. Their menu is so broad, ranging from various fun salads to pizzas with all kinds of yummy toppings to sandwiches with the works!! Russell enjoyed the Italian Toasted Sandwich...lots of yummy Italian meats, and I delighted in a combo salad & sandwich - I chose the half "Simply Salad" with the Sherry Vinaigrette dressing (YUM!) and the Grilled Chicken Pesto Toasted Sandwich. It was yum!
I'd recommend going at least once, but I think I'd like to go again and try one of the pizzas! Man, they looked great!
Have a great weekend!!

My Orchid

I came home last Tuesday night, and Russell surprised me with this beautiful Orchid and gift certificates to Panera and Starbuck's! He's a sweetheart! I just have to brag on him and how thoughtful he is! I'd had a rough day, and he had no idea! God is so good to us in those small but very real ways.
I'm learning how to nurture and care for our little Orchid, now! :)

'Do-Over Christmas' 2007

I admit, I could not understand why our Christmas in Louisiana did not "work out" for the "planned" weekend in December. Sure, I understood that everyone was sick, and I hated that for them...the misery of illness, especially when during a time of planned family fun and fellowship!! I knew with certainty that this was indeed our Lord's will, but my heart was still yearning for a satisfaction that only HE could give. So, I continued to pray, asking for God's perfect peace to satisfy my soul in this lack of understanding. I was sad and frustrated due to the sudden change in plans and no "head's up." My memory verse at this time was Philippians 4:6-7, which God knew I would need...

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Oh, what a reminder that our timing is not our Lord's perfect timing; our plans are not our Lord's sovereign plans! What a reminder to remain flexible in our 'plans,' genuinely seeking out HIS plans...because they really are for our best. In the midst of prayer and re-'planning,' God worked out all of our schedules (Russell's & mine & all of his family's) so that we could celebrate Christmas together in Louisiana this passed weekend. We could not have 'planned' for a better time than He! Although brief in our stay, the quality of time with Russell's family was the answer for which my heart's been longing! Yet another lesson: quantity does not necessarily satisfy as quality satisfies! We learned that Christmas can be 'done' in one day! :) We sat by the most beautiful blazing fire from morning until night on Saturday, sharing and catching up, laughing, relaxing, napping, watching movies, exchanging fun and very thoughtful gifts, snacking on homemade cookies, divinity, seafood gumbo, venison burgers, etc! It was only one day, but it seemed so peaceful and so relaxing and so 'wright' :) that I can remember every detail, as if the day had been in slow motion. It was SO good for my soul! 'Do-over' or not, I choose the Lord's timing any time over my own timing!

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

Christmas 2007 Pictures

Happy 5 Month Anniversary, Honey!

This one goes out to the one I love! :)
Happy five months, Hun!
It's been WONDERFUL and it's flying by!!
Thank you for being so sensitive and such an encourager!

I look forward to how the Lord will continue to lead our lives together!!
I love you!
MUAH!

TGIF

I am so thankful that it's Friday!
Typically, I have my weekend planned from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening...to the minute! I LOVE to spend time with my husband when he's in town, and when he's not, I make plans with my girlfriends! Life is so good!
This weekend will be a little different. We're celebrating 'do-over' Christmas with my new family in Louisiana. Everyone was too sick for actual Christmas a month ago, so we're gonna "take two" this weekend! Hopefully, all will be healthy, and we'll enjoy a festive weekend of fellowship, celebrating the birth of our Savior, exchanging fun gifts and delighting in whatever the LORD has in store for us!
I look forward to sharing how it all goes!
Have a great Friday and a blessed weekend!

Breakfast for Dinner - YUM!

Russell & I enjoy breakfast food at any time of the day! We got to have a fun, easy and delicious meal this Sunday night with the deVilleneuve's - Cinnamon French Toast. It was yummy, super easy and very inexpensive! You need to try this recipe!! Below is the recipe for two. Just double it for four! We still had left-overs, too!

Anytime Breakfast for Two!

Menu:
Overnight Cinnamon French Toast
Sugared Strawberries
Baby Link Sausages

Ingredients:
½ loaf French bread, cut in 2 inch cubes
(1 c egg sub, 1 ½ c FF milk, 4 t sugar, ¼ t salt, ½ T vanilla)
(FF butter spray, Cinnamon/sugar)
16 oz strawberries (fresh or frozen)
(Sugar, confectioner’s sugar)
1 pkg baby link sausages

Directions:
Place bread cubes tightly in a sprayed square dish. Beat egg sub, milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Pour over bread. Cover & refrigerate 6-36 hrs. Bake uncovered @350, 45 min. Remove, spray top w/spray butter. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon/sugar. Return to oven for 5-10 min.
Toss diced strawberries in sugar. Refrigerate 2 hrs. Serve sugared strawberries over cut squares of French toast. Sprinkle with conf sugar. Cook sausage as pkg directs.

You should be able to make this meal for $5 - $10 easily! Makes a very pretty meal, too, with the red strawberries, browned cinnamon glaze and sifted powdered sugar!

P.S. This recipe is from E-Mealz, who puts ALL of our meals together for $5/month! It's a sweet surprise to find out what will be on our daily menu each week! We enjoy, appreciate and support E-Mealz!! We highly recommend their services!

Marriage Truths - shared by Tim & Christi Kallam

Russell & I attend the Alpha Omega community group at Mountain Brook Community Church. It's a class for married couples, and, out of probably 60 couples, only 3 or 4, including us :), does not have children. So, we're learning a lot about marriage and family life!! It's truly wonderful!

Our pastor and his wife, Tim & Christi Kallam, have shared two of three parts to a "Marriage Truths" series, so far. Here are some notes, if you so dare to entertain yourself! Be sure to share with your spouse! :)

Marriage Truths:

1-2 years - Young Love/Romantic Love
3-10 years - Realistic Love
11-25 years - Comfortable Love
26-35 years - Renewing Love
35+ years - Transcendent Love

Part I:

Realistic Love:
-differences are pronounced - ex: she reads instructions; he does NOT
-travel - ex: she wants to stop & go shopping on the road trip; he just wants to get there!
-cooking/organization - ex: she likes to clean as she goes; he lets it piles up, waiting to clean it all when finished!
-meals - ex: he ventures out; she gets the same thing every time
-making the bed - ex: her perspective: you have to! his perspective: why bother? you're just gonna get right back in tonight.
-shopping - ex: her perspective: let's make an entire day out of it...we can eat brkfst, lunch and dinner out! his perspective: let's just get it done! we can make it home by kick-off at 11:00!

Ask yourselves these questions, as individuals and as a couple:
Ultimately, what really matters in life? What are our values? What are our goals?

-Life stressors:
-careers
-finances/budget-we can let less or more income affect our values
-children
-sleep deprivation
-discipline
-schooling
-other challenges...

-1 person + 1 person = conflict
-1 person in love + 1 person in love = conflict... you can't get around it...it's always there.

*Goal: Getting to Transcendent Love: walking in step with each other in the Lord, regardless of the circumstances of life; appreciating your spouse's idiosyncrasies (the things you thought were so cute when you were dating but then became obnoxious after marriage). BUT to get to Transcendent Love, you've got to go through all the other phases of love...God will use all the phases to bring us to the ultimate transcendence in our marriage.

How are our marriages affected by life's stressors?
-Quality Time
-Communication
-Emotional & Physical State of Being
-Conflict Resolution

*We want to not merely survive, but thrive!

A Physical Perspective often perceived by marriage counselors:
Wife's perspective on sex: "We do it ALL the time! Two times a week!"
Husband's perspective on sex: "We NEVER do it! Only two times a week!"

Realistic Love can lead to drifting and boredom in your marriage, characterized by 'just living day by day,' just 'makin'' it.
Tim mentioned a book here, Tender Warrior, by Stu Weber, which alludes to how life can become when you lose vision.
(Russell has read this book several times, and we just started reading it together this week. We're trying to do a chapter/night, and it's really great. God's opening my eyes in new ways to who a man in Him really is! Russell's thrilled to see me delighting in it.)

Steps to take:
1-Accept your mate - Romans 15:7
2-Trust God

Part II:

2 Peter 1:3 - God has give us all that we need for our marriage to thrive, not just survive.

Principle of Acceptance - brings confidence & security
Gen. 3:22 - statement of acceptance of Adam to Eve
1-Appreciate & embrace each other's differences (ie, "irritants")
2-Accept Reality - adjustments are inevitable; pray for wisdom in how to love 'this other person' vs. trying to change him/her (you cannot change anyone!)
3-Set aside our personal agendas - women can tend to manipulate
Principle of Affirmation - builds respect
-Proverbs 18:21 - we have the power of life & death in our word choice
-Eph 4:29 - be sensitive to what your spouse needs to hear in this moment, not necessarily blurting out whatever you may want to say.
-Keep date nights special
-Plan retreats - set goals for marriage, for family...
-Love Languages:
1-Words of Affirmation - genuine, sincere; specific, not vague
2-Quality Time - UNdivided attention
3-Receiving Gifts - don't wait for a special occasion; think of these gifts as investments into your spouse & marriage!!
4-Acts of Service - doing something your spouse would appreciate.
5-Physical Touch - not for selfish reasons; give him/her a back rub, cuddle...

Principle of Preference -
-Philippians 2:3-4 - prefer your spouse's interest first; the greater the sacrifice, the greater the love communicated.

Principle of Anticipation -
-Jeremiah 29:11 - that's the Father's heart for your marriage, for you as individuals...a desire for us to prosper, not fail; plans for a hope & a future!!

I'll try to get notes for Part II posted...should come toward the first of February...stay in tune!