More Than Words

Thursday, August 11, 2011

My Cup Overfloweth

When my son came home from camp (like literally, right off the church bus), he wanted to know if he could give me and early birthday present. I said, "OF COURSE YOU CAN!!"

So he hands me this box.

And this was on the inside! This is now my favorite coffee cup.

There is a gift store at the camp they went to, and I was so blessed that he spent the rest of his money on ME, instead of himself. But, I shouldn't be surprised, because that is totally his character.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

I'm Turning Japaneeza

Last Sunday, after church, my mom wanted to take me out to lunch for my birthday.

There's this Japanese restaurant by her house that has amazing lunch specials (even on the weekends).

I don't know how many times she told me how little it costs for the amount of food you get.

It really is a steal!

Not only is it affordable, but the quality is great, and they don't skimp on the portions!

Of course, I had my handy dandy camera with me, and I want to share with all of you!

Here is my beef bento, which includes vegetable & shrimp tempura, and potstickers! Including the miso soup, all this for $7.95!

And this is the "childs" portion for only $5.95!

My mom ordered the beef short ribs, tempura, and California Roll!

And if you really want to see a close up of the yummy, tender beef teriyaki, here ya go!

They gave it a thumbs up! Forced smile and all!

Thank you for lunch mom! And thank you, Ariake Sushi for the great food!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Fattening But Oh So Good!

Do you ever have those moments when you are craving for everything fried and fattening?

I was looking at some of my older posts and came across fried zucchini that I made last summer. So, what did I do? I was on a mission to make more! I was bummed when my grocery store didn't have ANY zucchini. They said the shipment didn't come in. Oooookay??!! But, low and behold, they had "yellow" zucchini. And that worked! And yes, it was DELICIOUS!!!!!

And the night before, I made my baked spaghetti (thank you Paula Dean). I know, not fried, but underneath all that sauce are handfuls of cheese!!!!!!

And if the cheesecake wasn't enough. A friend surprised me with red velvet cake pops for my birthday!! Oh my...they were D.E.C.A.D.E.N.T!!!!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Scripture Sunday

“The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.”-Psalm 119:160

Friday, August 5, 2011

Friday Photo Flashback

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

1994

This is the darkest I have ever been, and probably the darkest I will ever be in my life! This is a photo of my sister, one of my best friends, and myself when we went to visit my sister in Hawaii! It was such a FUN trip! One I will never forget! And I believe we are enjoying the famous Matsumoto's Shave Ice in the North Shore! Good times!!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Cheesecake By Bakerella

For my birthday, I wanted to make my own dessert. I'm always making cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, so I wanted to try something different.

What better than to make my all time favorite dessert...CHEESECAKE!!

I searched and searched different recipes, and I wanted one that was fairly simple (since this was my first time).

I finally decided on Bakerella's Cheesecake Bars. I knew I couldn't go wrong since she is pretty much known in the blogging community!

The only thing I did different was use fruit (berry) topping instead of the ganache, but I followed her recipe to a T! I will definitely do the chocolate the next time I make this!

I was always intimidated to make cheesecake because it seemed like so much work, but after making it myself, I know that I will make it again, and again, and again!

The crust was unbelievable!!!!

After it was done baking! I let it cool for a couple of hours.

Here is my berry concoction! I just used 2 cups of berries (they were frozen), and 1/2 cup of sugar! I let it cook over medium high heat for a few minutes, and then let it cool off before I poured it over my cheesecake! Afterward, I let it refrigerate for a couple of more hours!

Then, voila!!!!! Delicious!!!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Worship In Spirit And In Truth

Our 11 year old son, Eli recently went to youth camp.

This was his FIRST time ever being away from home. AND...for a week!

Of course, we were worried at first, but we knew deep down that he would be okay. His best buddies were going, we knew all the leaders in charge, and we knew ultimately that God was in control.

They did come home safely, and he was all smiles when he came off the bus.

What blessed us the most was that the couple that was in charge specifically came up to my husband and I to tell us how much of a blessing it was to have our son there. They saw him being with his friends, hanging with kids he didn't know, and even by himself. If you knew our son, that is totally him. He is just a nice, genuine kid. But, what touched us the most was that they said that Eli was just totally surrendering himself to the Lord in worship. Just typing it out makes me choke up because THEY were choking up when they were telling this to us.

A couple of days ago, the Jr. High Pastor sent me these photos of the group during worship, and again, it brought tears to my eyes. The kids didn't know they were taking pictures. As most of you know, there is nothing greater than to see your children walking with the Lord.

That's him in the middle with the red shirt.