Father's day

For Father's Day, our entire family went to the Iron Bird's game. No one watched a single minute, because we were too busy enjoying each other. I love all the memories we are making together as an extended family.


Dad and me.
Dada and Isabel.
Kate, me, Becky, Sacha and Laura. All the girl cousins.

book review

I know, I know. The blog is called "Beach Love" and I'm writing a book review. A girl can wander off topic a bit, can't she?! One thing I absolutely love about the summer, is the endless amount of time I seem to find to read. Don't know where it comes from (or what chores are left undone), but I'm not going to think about it too hard.

Our book club inevitably offers up on non-fiction selection each month. And each month, we seem to choose that one non-fiction book. I love learning about new ideas, or foreign lands, or people's lives. June's book is entitled "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates," by, yup, you guessed it, Wes Moore. Briefly, the story is about two men, with the same name, who grew up on the Baltimore streets. One ends up a Rhodes Scholar; the other ends up in jail for murder. The distinguished Wes Moore learns of his counterpart and starts corresponding with the man in jail. After years of communication, both written and face-to-face, the free Wes decides to write a book to perhaps help other young men who find themselves walking those very same streets.

"The Other Wes Moore" is an intriguing (and easy) read. I love reading the two stories side-by-side, watching the boys grow up, and their stories unfold.

It is well....

I have always loved the hymn, "It is Well With My Soul," and the story behind it. Have you ever wondered, whether, in the darkest night of the soul, you'd be able to sing these words?

1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
   When sorrows like sea billows roll;
   Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
   It is well, it is well, with my soul.
   
   • It is well, with my soul,
     It is well, it is well, with my soul.
2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
   Let this blest assurance control,
   That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
   And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
   My sin, not in part but the whole,
   Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
   Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

I have wondered so many times...and God has been faithful to remind me that no matter the trial or hardship, my deepest need has been met. My soul is at true peace, regardless of my raging circumstances. My sin is no longer mine to bear. He has paid the ultimate price, so that when sorrows roll in, I can rest safely in His unfailing love and comfort.

The Beach's Top 10

10. Ocean breezes
9. Lazy afternoon naps
8. Sand castles that are promptly smashed
7. Waves crashing on the sand
6. "Beach" books
5. Freckled noses
4. Eating steamed crabs
3. People watching on the Boardwalk
2. Flip Flops every day, no matter what

AND the #1 top favorite of the beach is.....

1. Ice Cream, funnel cakes, Thrasher's, caramel corn, Candy Kitchen...

What is your favorite "beach" item?

The Beach

Free (new) activities in Ocean City this summer:

1. Family Movie Nights. Monday/Thursdays 8:45pm @ 27th St.
2. Concerts on the Beach. Wednesdays 8:00pm @ Division St.

Not sure if we'll be able to attend these events, but what a great idea. O.C. is upping their family appeal and catering to the current economy. What free summer events are you looking forward to in your area?

Recipe

So this isn't a cookout recipe, but it is one of my favorites. It's great for leftovers, bringing to friends, or entertaining.

The recipe can be found on Real Simple's website.

Hope you enjoy it!

what would you do

Girls' nights always provide riveting conversation. This last one proved no different. Topics of conversation ranged from "the ideal day" to "Arminianism vs. Calvinism." One of the many questions asked was, "If you could have any hobby--money and talent aside--what would it be?"

Em said she'd go to Italy for cooking classes and then somewhere for dancing lessons. Kris said she'd ballroom dance.

I answered, "cake and cupcake decorating." I just think it would be so much fun to be like Duff or the Cake Boss and create intricate and gorgeous cakes/cupcakes.
What hobby would you choose?

Vocabulary

My daughter's vocabulary has expanded greatly over the last few weeks. She now calls things by their rightful names and even responds to questions...usually appropriately. For instance:

Me at 11:00 at night: "Isabel, are you ready for night-night?"
Isabel: "NO! NO! NO!"
Me at 1:00 in the morning: "Isabel are you ready for night-night?"
Isabel: "NO! NO! NO!"

Good thing she sounds so cute when she says it.

Sacha

Despite the circumstances, it was amazing to spend time with my sister this past week. Surprise pickup at the airport, dinner at Dad's, playing with chalk, laughing with our cousins, girls' night out, shopping trip, heart-to-heart on Dad's bed.

I have missed my sister these last months. Once she's home in five weeks, I'm not letting her leave the States again. Ever. But I will let her get rid of those HIDEOUS glasses.

years

It has been years since all of my cousins have been together. I *think* I was in high school still (maybe even younger)?? But, there is no photographic evidence of that meeting. Here is a picture of us girls at Christmas, probably in 1990.And here we are yesterday; how we've changed. I am grateful for cousins who have become friends. Love you girls!

Ps 91:5

“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night.”

Down, then, ye dismal forebodings and groundless apprehensions, God has not forgotten to be gracious, nor shut up his tender mercies; it may be night in the soul, but there need be no terror, for the God of love changes not. Children of light may walk in darkness, but they are not therefore cast away, nay, they are now enabled to prove their adoption by trusting in their heavenly Father as hypocrites cannot do.

"Though the night be dark and dreary,
Darkness cannot hide from thee;
Thou art he, who, never weary,
Watchest where they people be."

--C.H. Spurgeon (from Morning and Evening, E4/22)

Restaurant Review

Haven't done one of these in a while!! Life has taken over and left very little room for adventures that don't include sidewalk chalk, bubbles, or wagon rides. However, last night, Miguel and I escaped for dinner to celebrate our anniversary. I always pick the restaurant (he'd be happy with Bonefish Grill over and over...), and I always pick a new place downtown.

We ended up at Momma's on the Half Shell. We waited well over and hour, since they don't take reservations on the weekends. The bar was packed, so we walked and talked. Long wait wasn't a problem, except at 8:30 we were FAMISHED. We ordered drinks (mojito, long island) and the beer muscles. The mussels were incredible, and could've been eaten as my main meal, easily. Huge portion, hearty, and a delicious sauce. On to the main course. "Pasta of the day" for me: linguine w/ jumbo lump crab and huge shrimp all in a slightly spicy tomato cream sauce. uh, yum. Miguel got the Chicken Chesapeake. Both were huge portions and beyond good...and not just because we were starving. Drinks were good, though if we ever go back, I really want to try their famed Orange Crush. I was just too full to take another sip or bite. Also, no dessert for the same reason. Way. too. stuffed.

While the atmosphere was charming with it's dark walls, upholstered seating booths, all reminiscent of an old Victorian house (minus the eclectic "Baltimore" decor on the walls), the place was loud. I'm talking, lean-in-to-your-partner-and-yell-in-their-ear loud. Which, if you're out to have a good time only, is perfect. Just don't expect the drunk girls at the table next to you to quiet down so you can hold a deep conversation. Yet somehow, we managed. Seating was also a bit awkward. In the upstairs dining area, tables are packed in, so it felt as if we should've held hands with the people next to us as we prayed over dinner. Or at least asked them how their days were.

All things considered, I'd go back for a girls' night or brunch or drinks and dessert. Or anything just to order those beer mussels again.

Thankful

Ever have one of those days/weeks/months where everything seems to be in upheaval? In the midst of much change (and subsequent self-pity), I was reminded yesterday of a few things that are truly enduring. Cherished friendships.

I received an early morning wake-up call from a dear friend. Then, less than 20 minutes later, an unexpected call from another long-distance, enduring-through-the-seasons friend. And to top it all off, yet another "random" phone call from a bosom friend, just to say "hi."

I was able to walk into my day, reminded of God's faithfulness in even the smallest of areas. I am so grateful for enduring friendships. What are you grateful for today?

you know you have a daughter....

...when:

1. Screaming is a daily part of life. Just because.
2. Baby dolls are used for hugging, kissing, and throwing across the room.
3. You find hair clips in the bathroom, under the couch cushions, and in the fridge.
4. Your "lights" load of laundry is all pink.

book pt.2

As previously stated, I haven't read much for pleasure lately. Though, I was incredibly inspired by Krista's most recent post to get a serious move on it!!

However, since I do still attend a book club, and have a general feeling of guilt if I do not read the books, I manage to read at least one book every few months...February's book is "Their Eyes Were Watching God," by Zora Neale Hurston. Brief review: I know it's a classic, but I am honestly not quite sure why. (Is that horrible?!) Perhaps I am missing something-like a deeper meaning to the plot. Or a message behind all of the southern dialect. Yes, that must be it. Like Transformers, perhaps there is more to it than first meets the eye. No one character was spellbinding. No aspect of the plot was riveting. However, I did like significance of the title. While a storm was raging and darkness had fallen, the narrator stated that despite the characters' inability to see any hope in the situation, their eyes were watching God. What a good reminder that in my darkest of circumstances, my eyes must be watching God.

Do you have any insight on the significance of this novel?

book.1

Book Love. I think I've let this love die a bit. Between an incredibly busy start to the new year and an incredibly busy toddler, well, reading hasn't been high on the priority list. So, aside from reading recipes, nutrition information on food boxes, and greeting cards from various holidays, I have not read much of substance.

I do, however, spend plenty of time reading with Isabel. The same 5 books over and over and over. And over. Her current favorite is "Dear Zoo." It's a cute story of the narrator who writes to the zoo to send him a pet. Each page has a lift-the-flap picture, detailing what animal is sent. After returning the animals for various reasons, the zoo employees finally get it right and send the perfect pet. I've loved watching Isabel light up as the lion appears. She ROAAAARS right along with me. What books are you currently enjoying with your kids?

in the kitchen.4

I feel like I make recipes all the time that call for ingredients that I do not have. Most recently, buttermilk (pancakes, cakes, etc). I don't think to buy it, and honestly don't like buying a large container of it, to only use a small portion. Inevitably, the rest would go bad. Buttermilk is one of those ingredients that are easy to make yourself.

Tip#3: Add 1T lemon juice to 1C milk (I use skim). Let sit for 10 minutes, stir, and you have buttermilk!

in the kitchen.3

I always have a hard time deciding what to make for dessert, especially when it is for other people. Cake. Pie. Crisp. Cookies. Ugh. Too many choices. Then I stumbled across the easiest chocolate cake recipe. Butter, sugar, chocolate. How could it not be a hit?? Since I always have the ingredients on hand, it is now my go-to dessert. Miguel described it not so much as a cake, but as, "a really amazing brownie."

Sweet Paul's easy chocolate cake
1 stick melted butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons baking cocoa
3/4 cup plain flour

Pre-heat your oven to 320F, 160C.
Stir butter and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
Add the eggs and mix well.
Stir in vanilla, cocoa and flour.
Pour the batter in a buttered cake tin (I used a 9" tart pan) and bake for about 30 minutes.
The cake is best if its a little under-baked in the middle, like a soft brownie.
Take out and let cool a little.
serve while still a little hot a la mode or with some whipped cream.
Enjoy!

in the kitchen.2

This is my newest favorite kitchen tool. A microplane zester. I am no longer worried about grating off my fingers on my box grater. This little tool is a gem, and I'm not quite sure how I've lived without it for 29 years! What is your favorite kitchen tool?


Tip #2: Use the zester to turn a clove of garlic into garlic paste.

in the kitchen

I figured, since I am such a pro at failing in the kitchen, I will do a mini-series on the kitchen. I seem to get all of my useless knowledge from the Today Show. Right around the holidays, they did a segment on "preventing holiday weight gain." I learned something.

Tip #1: You can reduce the amount of sugar in your baked goods by 1/4 and not alter the taste or texture.

I tried it today in banana bread. I actually reduced the sugar by half, and the bread still tastes fab. So, next time you go to measure out your sugar, reduce it by 1/4!