A Taste of the South-west

Phil's first experience in the desert at 115 degrees.

Some green fields, only by irrigation

Then onto the Pacific coast for the weekend...traveling west over the mountains

The views at 4000 feet

The pacific view from the cliffs of H Street in Encinitas, CA

San Diego

Coronado Island

Fort Rosecrans Cemetery (on distant ridge above)

Visited Escondido URC and then was invited to fellowship/meal with hard-to-beat atmosphere.

Across the road from the church is a beautiful Christian retirement community with an imported windmill. This one is for you, Dad & Aunty!

Off to the Farm

While Phil was off in the south west for a week the kids and I headed for the farm.

 Skeet shooting

"Ella" Sarah's new Burmese Mountain Dog

Logs for a new building/mom's workshop

Planting cabbage

Creamy Coleslaw

Here is a great recipe for coleslaw without the overload of mayonnaise. It is delicious! My kids love it! It boasts a sweet tangy flavor that is really addicting. 

This recipe is from "Feeding the Whole Family, Cooking with Whole Foods" by Cynthia Lair a great cookbook I've found to encourage the addition of whole foods in our diets with tips and ideas for feeding babies from 6 months and older. 

Creamy Coleslaw

3 cups shredded green cabbage (about 1/4 head)
1 cup shredded  red cabbage
1 carrot graded
1 scallion, finely sliced

Dressing:
3 T mayonnaise
2 T freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 t maple syrup
1 t of tamari (similar to soy sauce but thicker) you will find it in the ethnic section of grocery store
Freshly ground black pepper

Combine cabbages, carrot and scallion in a bowl. Toss together.

Combine dressing ingredients in a small bowl and blend with a whisk until well blended. Pour over cabbage mixture and enjoy.

Note: I have added finely chopped cilantro to this recipe and it really adds great flavor.

Happy 3rd Birthday Tirzah

Our sweet little Tia turned 3 a few weeks ago.

 Here she is at 3 months

and only a few days old

she was our only thumb sucker

and now here she is always asking, "I'm big right Mom?"

A new tradition of ours is for Daddy to stay home on birthdays and do something as a family, so we went hiking to explore and enjoy God's creation.

And now for her favorite part of the whole day...cake!!!

We love you Tirzah! Happy Birthday!!!

We continue to pray that you will grow to be a godly woman who loves God above all and finds joy in serving others.