this is so for mom and dad

I saw this over at the Kitchn today. it is a tester to measure the amount of caffefine in a beverage. brillant! what do you think?

Another blog to read

So I was checking one of the blogs that I read every now and then and she posted a story that I wanted to pass along. Well, actually, I want to pass along the address to the blog that she referenced (http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/) as well as the organization that Katie started (http://amazima.org/index.html). On a side note, "Amazima" means "the truth of Christ" in the Ugandan language.

I've read most of the posts that Katie has written in the past year, as well as what is on the organizations website. She seems like one amazing individual. She is also from Brentwood, TN so I wonder if any of the Clarkes know her. Anyways, I am also a little sad. . . she is doing what I had wanted to do when I graduated from college. I am intently trusting this morning in the "good plan" that the Lord has for my life. I am thankful for the last eight years with Jamie and for all that has happened in our life here in Pennsylvania. But I am also hoping that the Lord will bring me full circle and give us an opportunity to work directly with orphans somewhere in Africa. I thought that desire had died, but all the tears I've been crying over stories like Katie's. . . and all the kids in foster care here in the US. . . seem to point out that it hasn't. I am thankful that, for now, we can make money at our jobs to support people like Katie. It is almost enough. . . almost. :)

Basement Stairway

I wanted you to see Dad's accomplishment today - the stairway for the basement!

Continuation on a theme. . .

I'm inspired by Lindsay's posts about organizations that help people so I thought I'd post one too. One of the blogs I read every day recently had a post about a family that is trying to raise money to help this little guy get to a hospital to repair his heart.

Emmanuel is painting scenes from Africa to raise money to get Joseph to Ghana. Brandi explains more about it all in her post.

another great way to help...

I must be inspired these days but I think there are some great groups helping the world in some amazing ways. This morning I found this group: solar cooker project that provides solar cookers to refugees in Darfur. Not only does it provide a way to cook but it protects women from rape and attacks when they have to venture off to look for firewood. It only costs $30 to provide two stoves!

300 voices

As a follow up to Water for Christmas, Jody (Lorenzen) Landers has started 300 Voices as a year round way to raise money for clean water around the world. Charity: Water is the organization that 300 Voices raises money for and I really like how things work over there. 100% of donations go to clean water. Please check out her blog and consider donating on a monthly basis.

great deal!!!

so I made darcy's hummus at a get together last week-end and paired them with Ricework chips because I had a free coupon. It was such a hit. I hope you all take advantage of this free coupon and make hummus. Here's the recipe:
1 15oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 medium garlic clove, minced or pressed through a garlic press
3/4 teaspoon salt
pinch cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup water

Process all ingredients in a food processor until smooth, about 40
seconds. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl, cover with plastic
wrap and chill until the flavors meld, at least 30 minutes. Serve
cold. Hummus can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.