Blessed Again!

I am once again amazed by the goodness of our Lord! He has given us a perfectly healthy son to add to our family.

"...Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Eph 3:20-21

Great tip for kids on iPhones or iPads

Here is a great tip I learned today. I rarely let my two year old play with my phone for fear of her deleting apps or moving them around. Here is a way that you can lock your child in an app and they can't get out of it.

1. Go to your Settings / General / Accessibility
2. Turn on Guided Access and set a passcode

Now to make it work. Open the app you want to use and triple-click the home button. It will ask you what parts of the screen you want to disable and then you can tap on start. Now when your child pushes the home button they will not be allowed to exit that app.
To exit you just triple-click the home button and type in the passcode.

This combined with Jane's find of Kids Tube is great entertainment when your child needs a distraction. :)

Easy Sushi at Home

Sushi is another great lunch or dinner idea for those that are seeking new ideas constantly like me. :)
I found this site with great instructions for making sushi rice.
I don't have sushi tools such as a bamboo mat, rice paddle, wooden bowls, etc. I don't think they are really that necessary. I roll my sushi with a piece of plastic wrap and it works fine.
Today I made some with leftover cooked salmon from my fridge and avocado and it tasted great.
Try it - You'll like it. Put whatever fillings you want in the middle.

Great Vacation Moments

We had a wonderful vacation together with family and many friends. Here are some of my favorite shots.

Ruth rides a wave with her daddy.

Kathy has a purpose in her walk, it was just worth filming.

John and Kathy picture tradition

God's amazing painting just for us.

Phase 3 - Cabin Completion

We spent this last weekend up at the cabin again doing the final coats of finish on the wood floors.
Site-finished hardwood floors are very beautiful when they are done. Lots of work though.

 Spreading the final coat of finish.

 Yes, the custom cabinets are gorgeous too. Made by the greatest local custom cabinet maker here. 

This is what the finish looks like when it's dry.  

The upstairs and stairs are finished as well. No pictures though.

Ruth and Kathy exploring together.

Cabin Project - Phase 2

This last weekend was our second trip to the cabin to make more progress on the flooring. Long hard work days for the men and Liz. The rest of us got to feed them and enjoy the children playing, exploring, catching frogs, etc...

(One of my favorite shots)

Kathy showed John that watching the water lands on your pants is fun

(The Happy Couple :)

(Kathy has looks for sure. "Mom, someday I will drive this ATV")

Tree climbers

Hans tiles the closet and the bathroom.

Tiled and sealed - not finished yet.

Jason sands the floor multiple times

 

Almost finished tile - just needs grouted.

Downstairs is now sanded and sealed ready for final finish next trip.

Upstairs is sanded. Sealing and finish to happen next trip.

Note- If any of you future house builders have flooring questions; don't hesitate to call. Even the choice of foundation can play a critical part. :)

Braised Cabbage

Braised cabbage is one of those dishes that I make and then forget about it for a long time until I remember again. This recipe was introduced to me by my dear newest sister :)
It does cook for two hours, so plan ahead.

Braised Cabbage from nomnompaleo
2 tbls butter, oil, lard, or bacon grease for coating the baking dish
1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 pounds)
1 large red or yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch coins (or throw baby carrots in)
1/4 cup broth or water
1/4 cup melted butter, lard, or your choice of grease
salt and pepper
Aged balsamic vinegar

1. Preheat oven to 325. Grease 9x13 baking dish
2. Lop off the tough stem end of the cabbage and divide it into 6-8 wedges. Keep the core attached so the wedges stay intact after the long cooking time. The core will get super tender.
3. Place cabbage wedges in a single layer in the greased dish - a little overlap is ok. Toss the onions and carrots on the top. Drizzle with broth and melted fat. season well with salt and pepper. Cover tightly with foil and place in the oven.
4. Cook for and hour, then carefully flip the wedges over. reseal foil and cook for another hour.
6. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and serve immediately.

I made this last night but didn't take a picture, so I this is the one from the website.