Oh How He Loves Us!

Last week (September 21st to be exact) I was sitting in our backyard at 10 in the morning gluing a large number of bridesmaids clutches.  I was trying to beat the heat, but it was already too late!  10am and it was already HOT!  It's taken me 5 years of living in this town to realize that September is not the month I think it should be.  Typically by the end of August I get very excited because the summer heat is almost done.  I am always disappointed when, by the end of September, it is still stifling hot!

The mask I wear for gluing was stuck to my face, and I was sweating just sitting there!   I was already tired of gluing and very eager to just be done and take a shower!  I prayed out loud- "Lord please allow fall to be here soon!"  And just like that, a slightly cool fall breeze came up- seemingly out of nowhere.  And the ONE yellow leaf in the tree above me came floating down right in front of my face and gently landed on the table.  I laughed out loud!  He heard me!  He was blessing me with a little promise- in HIS time the cool Autumn breezes would be here, the season would change!  It was a little reminder that He loves me, and cares about my every need!
As quickly as the breeze came, it left. I was left with a smile on my face and a reminder of the promise that He is my God and All good Things come in His good time!

New Growth....!!!
About a month ago Scott did some major pruning on one of the vines along our side yard.   The trellis was bent in half and he had to pretty much cut back most of the vine to fix the trellis. There was nothing but what looked like dead branches left and we pretty much figured we had killed the vine.  It was ugly, raw, and I wanted to replace it with a new plant.  But only a few days later a few leaves started to bud, and then a few more the next day.  Day after day the vine started growing back and each day it seemed the leaves began to multiply.  The vine was totally dependent on the daily sprinklers, and even after the harsh pruning, it was determined to not only survive, but flourish!

Just a week after the pruning

A few days after the first picture.

A month after the pruning, the vine is nearing the same fullness it was before.

This vine is a lot like our lives lately. In the past two years God has done a LOT of pruning in the Persicke house.  So much pruning has taken place that there were many times we did not think we would make it.  There were months where we didn't think we would have enough "water" to survive.  But alas, God had us just where He wanted us.  In total and complete dependence on HIM for every drop of "water"!  This is such a humbling, thrilling, and amazing place to be!
And now, we have begun to breath again, we are growing back- this time quicker, fuller, and stronger than before!
This vine is our "memorial stone".  Just as God asked the Israelites to carry stones with them as a memorial to help them remember what He had done for them, this vine is our "memorial stone" signifying the pruning, humble dependence on God, and flourishing new growth.  We will "carry" this vine with us along life's journey as a reminder of where we have been and what He has brought us through.  It ALL comes from Him- and how blessed we are to rest in that peace!  Wherever we are, whatever we are going through, whether in need or with plenty, HE is all we need!  Praise God for the indescribable peace that this Truth brings!

Vandusen Fest 2011
(Ok, so I am totally stealing your "fest" idea Alexis.... don't be upset with me!  You know I think you're the best writer ever!!)
We had the super special honor of spending the weekend with our dear friends Joe and Teri this past weekend.  The first part of the weekend was planned, and the other half of the weekend was rather spontaneous- which always makes for the best time!
We had been planning our Lake Day 2011 with Joe and Teri for quite some time.  And as with all other lake days of the past, this one did not let us down!  By far, it is my favorite day of the summer!  It really doesn't get any better than this!

Hang on!!

Really, who doesn't love floating in the water with large beer cans in your hands?

Is that a damn?

And then if they hadn't had enough of us already, we all went to Suisun Valley for Harvest Fest on Sunday!  It was a beautiful day in little Susuin Valley!

 

A Wonderful Problem to have!

This is our freezer-(don't mind the complete dis-organization!)  IT is JAM PACKED with food right now!  About two weeks ago we had some friends who were moving ask for help with taking some food off their hands.  Four ice chests full of food were brought over for us to go through, keep some and give away the rest. 
Then (as if we didn't have enough food already), Last week we had another cooking day.  Four girls, 6 hours, 14 meals (really becomes about 20 meals), and $85 dollars... can't beat that with a stick!!  I didn't think we'd get it all in there, but it fit!!
What a blessed problem to have- a freezer that won't hold another little bit!  God is good to provide! 

Sewing for Fun!
 I do so much sewing for my business, you wouldn't think I would want to sew for fun.  I am in the process of SLOWLY transforming our living room by re-covering throw pillows and hanging new curtains with new a new color scheme.  Eventually we will paint, but that is a HUGE job!
I've been dying to try to make this ruffle pillow ever since a friend sent me the link to the tutorial. 
It was easy and SO much fun, and it inspired some other ideas I have brewing in my head...
I cannot take credit for this pillow as I got the instructions from this fabulous blog:  http://jonesdesigncompany.com/create/5-days-of-favorite-projects-day-3/

A Day in Tahoe with Friends.

I spent the day with two precious friends in Tahoe last week.  They both currently live in Seattle and vacation with their family in Tahoe every year.  We have known each other since 6th grade and we do not get to see one another as often as we would like.  There is nothing like Tahoe in the summertime!!
 And Check out the super rustic and very neat cabin in the background!!

Ingrid and Ilsa - they are twins believe it or not!

Dear friends

The Quilt I made for Ingrid and Andrew for their baby girl due in October

Clearlake 2011
My family is re-instating the annual tradition of vacationing at Clearlake!  (Something we started doing when I was 9, and haven't done in the past few years...)
I do not think I have seen Scott smile so big in a very long time as we dragged him across the water on the tube!
It was So fun having the kids here.  Maddie (our niece) got on the tube a couple times with mommy, and she got to drive the boat with Grandpa.  Zack (our nephew) didn't leave the motorhome too much, but I don't think he minded all that much as he had lots of loving.
Kona LOVED the lake and we now call him our Clearlake water puppy!  He had a blast swimming, and we couldn't get him out of the water.   (Failed to get pictures of this-darn!)

Precious dolly with her life jacket up around her ears...  she's becoming a boat girl!

The family at breakfast.  (Not sure what the strange mural is behind us)

We attempted to get on the tube together.... key word: attempted.

Happy Maddie, Happy Papa.

Lots of loving and holding this little one.

What a good looking couple!

Dad doing one of the many things he does best... BBQ'ing chicken!

Can I get in the water now... please daddy!!

Grandpa reading to Maddie a book about household electrical work... she couldn't get enough.

Stay off the rocks!

 

"This is how we Wash the Dog, Wash the Dog, Wash the Dog.  This is How we Wash the Dog in the Persicke House..."
Some people wash their cars in the front yard, we wash the dog.

Baby Zack - June 1st, 2011
My brother's son entered the world on June 1st.  We are so thankful for the birth of this healthy little boy.  His mommy, daddy, and big sister are so thrilled with him.

Happy Daddy!

Sweet Mommy and Daddy and baby Zackary

Gardenia
A friend has a large Gardenia bush that was in full bloom last week.  Since the flowers do not last long she clipped a bunch of blooms to share with friends.  These blooms are not only beautiful, but the aroma is like no other.  We enjoyed their sweet and simple fragrance for about 36 hours.
Simply heavenly. 
I often wonder why God didn't create these flowers to last longer?  Why is it that some of the best smelling flowers have the shortest life? I am sure there is some scientific explanation for this. 
I like to think that the reason the beauty and the scent last for such a short time is because God wants us to stop and take a few moments to enjoy them.  We wouldn't be nearly as thankful for them if they were always there.  Just like each moment in our lives, they pass.. often all too quickly.  We need to pause, breath in the fragrance of the moment and be thankful for it.
#942 Gardenias in full bloom

Brussel Sprouts
I you have not tried, or claim to not like brussel sprouts, then I submit that you haven't fully lived! I truly think they are the best vegetable out there!  Scott and I cook them often and can't get enough. 
(Well I have been searching for a picture of brussel sprouts before they are cooked and I can't find one that will down load to my computer, so hopefully you know what they look like.)  
These tiny little cabbage looking creatures, when cooked correctly are so amazingly good!  We have eaten them alone and in other dishes.  As mentioned in the previous post, I even put them on my pizza.
 So here is the challenge.... if you are freaking out right now because you think that brussel sprouts are the most disgusting thing ever, then I challenge you to try them again!  Do not, I repeat DO NOT put them in a pot of boiling water with salt and boil until they are tenderized to a soft mush with no flavor!  That would be the wrong way to cook them!
Here is how you do it:  
Cut the ends off (kinda like the end of the cabbage).
Then cut on half (or quarters if they are large).
Then heat a pan with butter (BUTTER is the key! Insert Paula Dean saying "butter ya'll!") Place brussels cut side down and let brown on med-high for a few minutes.  Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other seasoning that sounds good. (We often use Trader Joe's 21 seasoning salute) You can also add crushed garlic too... that is really yummy!   They should get nice and toasty brown- this brings out the flavor!  Then take tongs and turn them so the other rounded side gets a little brown.  Usually little leaves will fall off each little brussel and they can get really toasty brown- we call these "toasted leave-ins", and they are scrumptious!  You can cover the pan and cook on lower heat if you want to get them a little softer.... but do not overcook! Be careful to not cook them too long.  They should be a little firm and have a soft crunchyness  (is that an oxy-moron?.  (not too crunchy)  

Enjoy! And thank you to my dear friend Judi for so many years ago sharing this new and improved way of cooking these delectable vegies!

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Summer is BBQ time, and we LOVE to use our Charcoal grill.  In fact, I do not think we will ever go back to gas grilling.  Gas may be easier, but it doesn't come close to tasting the same!  The only problem with charcoal grilling is that I always hate to waste the briquettes, and therefore try to grill as much meat at one time as I can.  Consequently we always have left over meat, usually chicken.  What better solution for left-over chicken than to make BBQ chicken pizza!  

And having been recently inspired by The Pioneer Women blog (if you haven't read it, you should check it out!), I decided to document my dinner making experience.

Forgive me for not taking nearly as many pictures as Ree (Pioneer women) takes... it was a very hot day today and I did not want to keep the oven on any longer than absolutely necessary.

Start with your dough.  We have tried So many types of homemade pizza dough, and none can ever come close to Trader Joe's pre-made pizza dough.  If you blessed to have a Trader Joe's in close range you can find the pizza dough in dough form in a little baggy in the fresh food refrigerated section.  My favorite is the wheat crust.  Herb is also good.   You will need to bring the dough to room temp before manipulating.  Be sure to use lots of flour when shaping.  I do not claim to be a pro. pizza maker, so I will not even attempt to get the dough perfectly round.  Mine usually looks like some sort of alien shape.  (see final picture below).  

We add BBQ sauce (instead of tomato).  This is a must for BBQ chicken pizza-duh!  Only the best sauce from TJ's (Trader Joe's) will do!  

Then whatever cheese you have... this time I used feta, cause "feta makes it betta"!  

Then I will add whatever veggies I have on hand.  I almost always add broccoli- what broccoli on pizza??!!  Yes, it is the BEST. Plus it is Super good for you!  So good!  

And today I added Brussell Sprout- what brussell sprouts, are you kidding me??!!  YES!!! (I mean no, I am not kidding you!) Brussell sprouts.  And if you do not like brussell sprouts then you have never had them cooked correctly. (more on that later)  (My computer keeps underlining brussell- guess it's spelled incorrctly... but I can't figure out how to use spell check on the new computer so you are just going to have to put up with incorrectly spelled words.)  

Anyway, once you add your vegies (mushrooms, olives, greens... anything goes great), then you top with more cheese.  This time I used some mozzerella (apparently that is spelled incorrectly too.. oh well).  

It will look something like this:

 Bake at 450 to a golden bubbly.  Then it will look like this:

Then devour:

You will not be able to eat just one slice...

A Lost Art
While reading the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp I was reminded of the lost art of bread making.  I was introduced to bread making many years ago by long time family friend Chris V.  I lived with her family in the north part of the state for my first semester away from home.  For as long as I have known her, Chris has been making bread the "old fashioned" way.  No bread machine, no kitchen aid mixer... she does it all by hand.  Living under her roof I grew accustomed to the smell of fresh baked bread and savoring crispy toast in the mornings.  When I moved I asked her for her recipe and for the next few years I occasionally indulged in the art of bread making. 
Something about yesterday spurred me to make bread.  Maybe it was the slightly cool and overcast spring day or maybe the desire to see the delight on my husbands face when he got home from his third day at his new job.  Whatever it was, I was compelled to make bread!  It brought back so many memories that I had almost lost... mixing, kneading, rising, shaping, baking, smelling, and savoring the first bite.  The process is beautiful, and I fully enjoyed every step!  I couldn't help but think about all the ways bread making relates to my life, and the work that God is doing in me.  There are so many analogies in this... I will leave them to the imagination...
And needless to say Scott was thrilled when he arrived home and saw the two loaves in the oven baking into the perfectly shaped golden mound of deliciousness.
Beginning to mix:

Still Mixing...

Finally able to knead:

Ready to rise:

Risen!

Shaped into loaves:

Beautifully Golden:

Ready to eat:

Perfectly Simple:

#592: Scott's Face when He saw bread baking
#593: The smell of baking bread
#594: Toast!