Thankful Thursday - Christmas

Today is day 3 on the Christmas calendar.

The girlies are SO excited about Christmas this year.

Their little eyes lit up as we hung the decorations this weekend.

Beautiful innocence, awe and intrigue

The wonder of Christmas

so full of promise.

Time to celebrate our Jesus' birth.

I am ever so thankful for Christmas.

I am loving it

here is a peek of our house:

 When i was taking this photo i noticed how the wood carving forms a cross behind the wreath.

LOVE IT!

The girlies helped to decorate the tree this year. I love the clusters of decorations at the bottom of the tree.

Can i tell you about this nativity scene?

Mum so kindly passed it to me. It was ours when I was little.

If you look closely the donkey has one leg missing... I broke it trying to make him stand.

The sheep in front has no legs... Hubby calls him Neil

One of the wise men has a Micheal Jackson issue. His colour is coming off.

Today I take time during the hustle and bustle of Christmas to remember to be thankful.

Hows your Christmas looking this year?

Foodie Friday

Foodie Friday Begins:

I thought that each Friday I would post something yummy and healthy that I have cooked during the week. (or perhaps the year).

Why don't you join me. If you post your recipe just link it to this blog  and we can all get some healthy food ideas for our own kitchens.

Mango Chicken

Serve 6 - 8 people

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

(Don't be put off by the prep time, in this case it is worth it!)

Ingredients

Extra virgian olive oil spray

2 cloves of garlic, crushed (I just use 2 tsp of minced garlic)

1 tsp of ginger, peeled and grated (again i use minced ginger)

4tsp of curry powder

1 cinnamon stick (or powder approx 1 -2 tsp)

1 fresh chill, seeded and finely chopped (I use 1/2m a chilli so the kids will eat it)

1 Tbsp brown mustard seeds

5 medium mangoes, peeled and stones removed, flesh pureed

2 cups of vegetable stock

juice of 1 lemon

1kg chicken breast cut into strips

Method

Heat lightly oiled saucepan over high heat. Saute' garlic, ginger, curry powder, cinnamon, chilli and brown mustard seeds until fragrant, approx 2 minutes.

Reduce to a medium heat and add mango puree', stock, lemon juice and chicken

Simmer covered for 25 minutes until tender.

Serve in a deep bowl.

Excellent served on basmati rice with a side of roasted zucchini and yellow squash

Thankful Thursday

Today my heart is ever so grateful, so thankful, for God.

His mercies are new every morning. He knows my inner heart, he has my life in his hands, and I find rest in that knowledge. I know that whatever comes my way, he will walk with me, and outwork his will in my life. HE WILL. It is the promise.

The other day while doing some blog jumping, via Widges,  I came across this blog (it is worth a peek). On her side bar she has the following quote:

“If Jesus gives us a task or assigns us to a difficult season, every ounce of our experience is meant for our instruction and completion if only we'll let Him finish the work. I fear, however, that we are so attention-deficit that we settle for bearable when beauty is just around the corner. " ~Beth Moore

Her post that day was perfect for me. The quote was nearly my undoing.

I have entered a season that I have no control over. I wish I could run from it... but I cant... I have to walk it through. I choose beauty over the bearable.

Don't worry my friends, This is not life and death stuff, its more emotional healing kinda stuff. I know I am going to be fine... just gotta let God finish the work.

Life is GOOD... even when its tough.

Wordless Wednesday

A whole lot of somethings

• Have signed up for the ripcurl girls go surfing day on Sat. Five of us are doing it together including my 62 year old MIL and Anya, super fun. Hubby has me doing 10 burpees a day in preparation. He is so excited that today he brought home a 9ft Malibu board for him to try after work me to 'see' what would be a good board for family surf days. 
• Have brought a squidgy to begin the window washing. :)
• Helped Sister In Law on a school excursion today. LOVED IT! I came home feeling tired but strangely revitalized and keen to get back into teaching soon.
• Have turned a gorgeous shade of brown from days spent playing with children outside, despite the slathering of sunscreen. There is absolutely no need for spray tans in this country.
• It is just over two weeks until i head back to NZ for 10 days.Bridesmaid dress is nearly ready... Super excited. (burglars beware, the house will not sit empty, have very good house sitter lined up!)
• Loving watching the girlies explore the wonders of picture books. Esp loving introducing them to old favorites from my childhood
• Made the most delicious meal last night. You gotta try it! It is super easy and so good.

WEZA

Surprise packages

This arrived in the mail last week. It was such a nice surprise. Not the package,  but the contents. I knew it was coming. I love it when you win prizes. YAY.  See all that lovely scrapbooking paper, and transfers. It nearly makes me want to take up scrapbooking. Nearly...
Sorry ISM but I promise to make good use of it somehow. Notes to friends will be penned, transfers will be put to good use. I promise.

Did you notice the chocolate bar? It was liquid, the Aussie heat just isn't conducive to chocolate presents. It still tasted good though, Hubby stuck it in the freezer and it was consumed within 24 hours. LOL

On another note, Today is D day for sending our candy for the exchange... I have purchased said candy x2, but alas our finances will not stretch to cover postage this week so sorry Renee and Heather, your candy will be slightly late. :( It will be worth the wait, I think. In the meantime I face the dilemma of keeping hubby away from the candy, it does call to US late in the evening.  MMMM Freddos.

I have so much to say, yet at the same time i have writers block. I hope you are all enjoying your Christmas prep. I was shocked to discover that it is only 5 weeks until Santa comes. EEEK I am not ready. At all!

WEZA

Daddys girls

Ever since we learn't we were having a baby (which turned out to be two) hubby has talked about teaching his kids to surf.

He has a vision in his mind of us surfing together as a family.

This is the summer that his vision begins to take shape.

The girlies are old enough to start learning.

Small waves, wings on...

Daddy is ever so pleased.

Good thing I want to learn too.

FUNTIMES