Random Observations

Ok. So right now I'm at an amazing conference for 24/7 Prayer. If you're interested check out www.24-7prayer.com . But before I tell you all about it, I must share with you some of my random observations as of late. First of all, I was noting some ways that I know for sure that we are raising our kids in Europe. So, the other day I was shopping and saw a man purse (or a murse, as I like to say) and I actually thought "Hey, that's cute. Lance would really like it. Then, at lunch, my 3 yr old begged to have raw fennel for her vegetable. ( she eats tons of it) After school Wednesday, as we were walking into the house Trey (whose 9) says"when I get old enough and buy my first car I totally want a purple one. Look how sweet that is!" Sometimes I just scratch my head. Other times I just thank the Lord for letting us live in a way that we celebrate how God made each of us so unique. Here at the conference we are from all over. But the one thing that unites us is Jesus. And I am so thankful for His wonderful love and grace.

Egg McMuffin Success!!

Success! I must say that cooking "American" in Italy is something that requires a little more effort. There are many things that you can't really find here, or many convenience foods that don't really exist. One of those things is McDonalds breakfast. McDonalds here opens at 12, not that we need the extra heart disease or anything, so breakfast isn't served here in Ancona. Which is a shame, since I've always liked their coffee. We also don't have english muffins. Anyway, I haven't had much success in making english muffins in the past, until 2 days ago. I decided to give Egg McMuffins a try. You know, cook the eggs, make the muffins, and assemble with some cheese. So, I found a great english muffin recipe at allrecipes, and gave it a whirl.

Check this out. Wouldn't you wanna try one with a great cup of coffee?

Fun in the kitchen. (and other things)

I was going to title this "Good Intentions," because I had a lot of them today. I wanted today to be a baking day, or cook ahead day, whatever you want to call it. I had a small list of things that I thought that I could accomplish this morning while Francesca was at school. The thing is, though, I kept getting sidetracked. Reality stepped in and said I needed to clean the kitchen before I start to make new messes. We also have 2 totes yet to unpack from our trip back from the States. (ummm, there's still a little left in each one of them) I don't know what happened, really, but I got two things accomplished. I finished a chocolate cake (that's already half gone. . .) and made pizza dough for tonight's dinner. I wanted to make pumpkin muffins, these no bake healthy energy bites, and a mac and beef casserole. Oh, and maybe some bread.

So here it is, time to pick up Frannie, which runs into picking up the others, which runs into lunch, homework, naps, sports, and more.

To day was Chloe's softball day. When we arrived we found out that the coach was hurt in his own game.. So, we turned around and came home. What did I find? An eager 3 yr old dying to put on an apron. Together we made pumpkin muffins AND energy bites. And we had a lot of giggles doing so. Maybe my way isn't always the best way. Maybe there's always something better for me. If I just look.

Adjustments

So here we are. Back in Italy after a summer spent in the States. I'd say "furlough" but that means rest and we didn't get too much of that. It was a wonderful summer, just busy.

Today was our 10th day back. 10 days to get over jet lag. 10 days of school (ok 9, but who's counting). 1 Sunday back in church. 2 Wedesday night prayer times. 1 week of incredibile heat. (with no air conditioning, but who's keeping track?)

What have I learned in this transition? I think that I'm learning that God has me right where He wants me to be. And the best part? I like it. I feel at home here. I've found true friends. I feel like our church is truly our family. I feel at ease. And for all of this I'm thankful. I don't know yet what I have to offer you in this blogging adventure. Not sure what I'll say, but I do know it will come from a place of joy. I will share from my heart. And right now my heart is full.