Joy in the journey!

Today I celebrated my 34th birthday.  And although I do not have 34 years worth of wisdom to share with you right now I just had one thought on my heart. 

Learning to enjoy the FULL BOUNTY of GODS AMAZING GOODNESS. 

 I feel like the last several years for us have been so filled with striving, stress, economic strain, massive changes and challenges!  

Just since 2009 we have moved to Colorado from Alaska where we sold a home we had just spent 4 years adding on to and remodeling as well as having our first two babies. Moved into my parents place for 3 months since Colorado was a temporary stop over before moving overseas to do volunteer work.  Left our stuff in storage and packed what we could in suitcases and moved our family of 4 to a remote island in Vanuatu located in the South Pacific for an undetermined amount of time.  We also spent our lives savings on a beach property there in Vanuatu with the dream to develop a bungalow style mini resort and build our home there.  Enjoyed working with Youth with a mission a Christian foreign aid ministry but struggled dramatically with finances wondering where our next rent payment would come from as our saving ran out.  Then adopted a baby girl from birth with only 3 weeks notice into a village home with out running hot water and VERY limited cooking facilities and NO laundry facilities (which comes in handy with cloth diapers!!) on a non existent income.

 

3 months later we found out we were pregnant with our happy surprise who is baby number 4.  Then struggled with our adopted daughters paperwork (still in the works as far as American Citizenship  is concerned).

 From there we came home to the US for a "visit"  that turned into a permanent move into the economy we are all now struggling with.  We lived with my parents off and on for almost a year while we tried to find work and find a little home. 

While we are still waiting for out land to sell (please pray!!) we have purchased a cute little fixer upper that is currently in the works.  We have been blessed to part of starting a telecommunications business with my AMAZING parents where we now live only a few miles from my them.  The business is still in the growth stages so income is still tight but the potential is really starting to show as business picks up and that is exciting!

Why did I go into all that?  To tell you what I learned in the midst of it all... Life can be hard and taxing and confusing but NEVER ONCE did GODS FAITHFULNESS leave us.  In the middle of every little or big trial GOD was there encouraging, providing. and blessing us with little and big surprises along the way. 

I am really feeling God saying ENJOY THE BOUNTY don't get hung up with the little stuff!  Joy really IS in the journey and not the destination.  We truly can relax, trust and ENJOY what we do have before us rather than stress about what we don't!

These are the faces of little ones who GET it! 

My little ones who I have a lot to learn from.  The Bible says for a reason...

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me." (Matthew 18: 3-5)

 

 

These guys know how to enjoy the journey and see the wonder in all the little moments.  I want to be there.  I want to be free to trust my GOOD and loving Heavenly Father with the details and go enjoy what I have so generously been given!

I hope this post will inspire you to look around and ENJOY, and trust God with your finances, health and struggles.  Look to see what you have to be thankful for and I bet you will see the undeniable bounty that we have.

The faces of Joy!

from fish spa to shopping, more on ireland

Rural Ireland through a camera
viewfinder is like looking at a painting.  You can't help but marvel at
the timeless beauty and feel like you're in an epic movie (cue the
Shire music from Lord of the Rings).  Beautiful, sweeping landscapes are
expected, as shown in my previous post on Ireland.  So, today,  I thought I'd talk more about the unexpected things about this country. . . like fish spas.

Fish spas are what I would
expect in Japan, not in Galway, Ireland.  The idea behind a fish spa is
that your feet are exfoliated by small fish feeding on dead skin.  I
hadn't heard of fish spas before my friend, who was getting married,
scheduled a session for the bridesmaids.  The description of the
treatment is not enticing at all, but, admittedly,  I was intrigued.



For some reason, I was picturing an outdoor hot springs, but the fish place was in the local mall.  We signed up for a 15 minute session, each of us having our own tank of flesh eating fish.  And, you can choose between smaller or bigger fish- we all opted for the bigger. 



I guess it's supposed to feel like a tickling or
bubbly sensation.  Seeing that my friends were nearly screaming the
entire time, I don't think that was the case.  I didn't find it painful
at all, but I also wouldn't say it was the most relaxing thing I've ever
done.  Honestly, I'll stick with eating little fish than having it the
other way. 



The next day, we continued with our feet-pampering bonding time with pedicures.  The last time I got a pedicure was two years ago,
so I forgot to bring flip flops to wear afterwards.  My dear husband
offered to pick up a pair, and he came back with something that reminded
me of my Korean grandmother.  Yes, that is a bow on top.   I never thought that I would be eating bangers and mash in fabric flip flops. 

The most precarious part of
our trip was renting a car.  We read a lot online and talked with
insurance agents about the steep rental costs in Ireland (due to the
extra coverage that is recommended).  After seeing signs like this all
over Ireland, we now get it.  And I'm happy to report that we managed to
keep our car out of the water!

Kellys, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Dublin

I try to support local
businesses as much as possible.  And with Ireland's current economical
hardship, I wanted to buy a few gifts that were exclusively made in
Ireland.  I thought for sure that the little towns in Ireland would have
plenty of craft and antique shops to keep me entertained, but,
surprisingly, this kind of shopping was few and far between.  It wasn't
until we arrived in Dublin when we stumbled upon a couple of amazing
local shops.  Designist, located just a few doors down from our hotel,
carries a wide range of contemporary and affordable home products made
in Ireland and the UK.  And, just a short walk away, is the Irish Design Shop, which focuses solely on Irish designers and artists. 

One thing I was hoping to
bring back was yarn made in Ireland, a request by my eldest daughter.  I
found a number of shops that carried knit items, like the classic cable
knit sweaters, but I had the hardest time finding skeins of yarn.  In Dublin, I finally was able to locate a local yarn shop. 
But then I learned the most unexpected thing about Ireland- all their
fleece is imported from New Zealand and South America!  I guess the sheep in Ireland don't have the right kind of fleece for harvesting.  But, there are so many sheep here, I stated to the store attendant.  Just for food, she replied.

Dublin

Even after having my feet
nibbled by little fish, driving on country roads with blind corners, and
eating various versions of pork (just in breakfast alone),  I
discovered that Ireland is very much like home.  And this has as much to
do with its people as its scenic backdrop.  The Irish are friendly and
down-to-earth, a description that is often times used for Portlanders.  We've already been invited back by some folks, and with much confidence, I can say that we'll be back one day. 

DIY Pumpkin Spice Lattes & Pumpkin Pie White Hot Chocolate!

It is that time of year...I love fall and one of my favorite things about it is..PUMPKIN madness.  Everything comes in pumpkin flavor!  Pumpkin scones, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup...

Here are a few pumpkin flavored hot drinks to take the chill off those chilly mornings!

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Photo courtesy of  flikr

makes 1-2 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups milk

2 tablespoons canned pumpkin OR 1 teaspoon of  Pumpkin Spice Syrup (your choice)

2 tablespoons sugar or sugar substitute - you can halve this amount

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1-2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee if you don't have an espresso machine.)

Directions:

In a saucepan combine milk, pumpkin and sugar and cook on medium heat, stirring, until steaming. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and spice, transfer to a blender and process for 15 seconds until foamy or just whisk the mixture really well with a wire whisk.  Even better?  

Use your french press to froth all of it!

You just pour the milk mixture into the french press and pump it up and down vigorously until it is just as frothy as you would like.

Now pour into a large mug and add the espresso on top.

Optional: Top with whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or cinnamon on top.

This great recipe from http://www.thekitchn.com/   

If coffee is not your thing try this delicious pumpkin pie white hot chocolate recipe from Closet Cooking.

Pumpkin Pie White Hot Chocolate 

from Closet Cooking

(makes 4 servings)

Ingredients:

3 cups whole milk

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1/8 teaspoon cloves

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 ounces white chocolate (roughly chopped)

pinch salt

  

Directions:

Just heat everything besides the hot chocolate then mix in the chocolate once it has reached a steady simmer and take it off the heat while you add the chocolate and stir it until it melts.  

Want it frothy like a steamer?  You just pour the milk mixture into the french press and pump it up and down vigorously until it is just as frothy as you would like.

Optional: Top with whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or cinnamon on top.

YUMMY!! I can't wait to try these!  Hope these drinks take the chill off and help you enjoy fall!

DIY distressed farmhouse table

This is my dream table!

A huge awesome talbe to fit all my little kiddos and friends.  I have already shown my husband for future reference!  So it will not fit in my house at this point but when I get a bigger dining room this is the perfect table!

The full DIY detailed dirrections are found HERE.

This is another photo of the exact same table so you can see the full details.  There are extensions on it as well (not pictured).  I LOVE IT!!!

This photo is from Ana White where the full plans can be found.

I love this

Anniversary Giveaway

With jet lag and all, I nearly forgot that today is Habit of Art's two
year anniversary!  To celebrate (cause two blog years is like 27 human
years), we must have a giveaway.  How about a sampling of my latest
stationery goods?  The giveaway package will include my new cards, two Elevation and Cascade notecards, five Portland notecards, and some stickers.

Just leave a comment below, and a winner will be randomly chosen on Wednesday, September 28 at noon.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

I'm touched by all the wonderful comments!  Thanks for all your support the past two years.  It means so much to me. 

The winner of the stationary giveaway is Brittan! 

Ireland

Cliffs of Moher

Doolin

Kells Priory

Ireland is everything I imagined and more.  The landscape boasts of rolling hills, green fields, and rocky cliffs, and we have been greeted only by the friendliest of folks.  For nine days, we traveled from one coastline to the next, covering hundreds of miles of beautiful scenery.  The lush, green countryside is actually not all that different from Oregon's Willamette Valley.  The grazing livestock in open fields is a familiar sight.  What sets the two places apart is the ancient Irish stonework that dots the land.  The stone ruins from ages past is a reminder of Ireland's longstanding history.  

Galway

We explored a number of towns in Ireland, from the urban scene of Dublin to the tiny coastal town of Doolin.  Big or small, the towns in Ireland are full of charm.  The streets are lined in cobblestone, waterways cut through the center of town, and the pub night scene is full of cheer [and beer!].



The first half of our trip was spent in the lovely town of Galway, located on the western coast of Ireland.  Our dear friend was marrying a local Irishman, and both my husband and I were part of the wedding ceremony.  

St. Nicholas in Galway

The ceremony was held in a medieval church built 700 years ago.  The groomsmen were dressed in tails and many of the ladies in attendance donned hats.  I asked to be called Pippa for the day.   



A wedding is a wonderful and intimate way to experience a culture, and I’m thankful that I was a part of such a special celebration.  The ceremony started at one in the afternoon, but Irish weddings continue through the wee hours of the morning.  I managed to stay up for the fish and chips served at midnight.  Nothing like eating fried food in the middle of the night in a fitted bridesmaid dress and heels!

A trip to Ireland wouldn't be complete without a traditional Irish breakfast.  Park of our b/b experience in Doolin. 

For two days of our trip, we stayed in a modern cabin referred to as a hermitage.  It is perched on a remote hillside, along with two other hermitages, overlooking the beautiful grounds of the Glencomeragh House.  It was the perfect home base as we traveled to nearby towns.  



The hermitages are outfitted with kitchenettes, so we dined in for a few meals.  With yummy cheese, salami, tomato, and baguette, it was as if we were on an extended picnic date.   

Below the hermitages, at the base of the hill, is a labyrinth.  A labyrinth is a circular path that you walk during meditation and prayer.  You start at one end of the path, and it eventually leads you to the center of the circle.  Posted next to the labyrinth is this stirring excerpt from Thomas Merton's Thoughts in solitude. 

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. 

I do not see the road ahead of me.

I cannot know for certain where it will end.

Nor do I really know myself,

And the fact that I think I am following your will

Does not mean that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that the desire to please you

Does in fact please you.

And I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.

I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,

Though I may know nothing about it. 

Therefore, I will trust you always

Though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

I will fear not, for you are with me,

And you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

[all images by me]

Being back in Portland not even a day, our trip to Ireland already feels like a dream.  It was truly a magical time, and we eagerly look forward to returning to the Emerald Isle.



. . . next time, I'll remember to bring a waterproof windbreaker.

It's FALL!! Homemade Bagels, Pumpkin Scones, and Quinoa Biscottis!

I LOVE fall!  It is my favorite time of the year!  It means baking, apple cider, sweaters, cuddling up inside and crisp air outside.  My birthday is in September too so that could be part of the love I have for fall... After a summer of avoiding the oven I am ready for the baking to begin.  What is at the top of my list to bake you ask?

WHOLE WHEAT BAGELS!!

I found a great recipe and tutorial for homemade bagels here at The Happy Housewife.  What a great name for a blog.  I love it.  I have never made bagels but always wanted to so this is day.  I plan on making these later today with my kiddos for a homeschool lesson on baking which also doubles as a great math lesson in fractions especially if we double the recipe.

Next on the list? 

Pumpkin scones 

because I love anything pumpkin in fall and who doesn't love scones.

There is a great recipe here at New to Veggie World.  There is an included frosting recipe or glaze, but I prefer my scones with out all the additional sugar.  That may be just me but I am not a big frosting fan.  I actually started to make these the other day but after I got my flour all measured out I realized I had no eggs.  BUMMER!  So as of yet no pumpkin scones for me.  I see them in my very near future!

Now for another treat I am dying to make..

Quinoa Flour Biscottis.

Find the recipe here at the Enlightened Cooking one of my new favorite food blogs.

We all have heard how healthy quinoa is but making it the same way every day can get old so I thought this looked like a fun way to add quinoa to my diet, avoid white flour and get to finally make homemade biscottis! YUMMY!! All this baking talk is making me hungry and making me realize I need to do a workout post soon as all this baking could be detrimental to that healthy body we are all working toward!

Since Pumpkin is a favorite of mine I am sure a recipe post is in order for all things pumpkin.  Like pumpkin butter, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin pie fruit dip... Oh I could go on forever, but I will save that for another post so you can get baking!  What are your favorite fall recipes?

Full hands and full hearts!

I have 4 kiddos aged 7, 4, 2, and 1.  So I here "You have your hands full!" a lot.  It is very true that I have my hands full, but I wouldn't change it for the world!  I saw this inspiring  quote from oby and tara bennett parents of a child with severe disabilities. 

 Her story really touched my heart.  When ever I think I have my hands full I will remember how blessed I am to have health on our side.  Their blog is very inspiring to say the least.  Joy is in the journey and we will never get it all right or have it all easy here on this earth.

 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. ¹⁹Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. ²⁰ They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20


“Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.” Joel 2:23 NIV

Free sewing pattern for easy slippers!

Christmas is just around the corner and it's time to get started on all those Christmas gifts.  I saw these and thought they would make great Christmas gifts!

free pattern for slippers from Sew news.

I can't wait to try making these!

Still dealing with mom hair? More hair help.

The sock bun was a huge hit so I thought I would share a couple other ideas to keep you inspired and away from the everyday ponytail.  Don't get me wrong I resort to the ponytail on occasion as well, but I am trying to make it less and less frequent  I NEVER have time for complicated hair styles or curling or blow drying, so I found these when looking for easy solutions to good looking hair in a short amount of time.

"The Simple Gibson Tuck" 

Easy instructions and full video found at  Sara Lynn Paige

She also another great hair tutorial for
  "The simple Up Do"

This photo is her photo of version 2 of the up do.
 Another easy to follow video is found here,

I love easy ideas for hair and I have more coming soon  like the one I am currently using all the time. It is great for a cute pulled together look when it is up and when taken out it gives you  beachy waves .  Still need to have hubby take photos and then I will post.  Any other ideas for great hair in short amount of time?  Let me know!  I love comments!