Here In My Hottie Husbands Arms

I just got back from an 8 mile bike ride--yes, yay me!  I listened to my ipod while biking and on came the song "Here In Your Arms" by Hellogoodbye.  This song always makes me think of my Todd.  I love being in his arms.  I love how he feels and smells.  I love his kindness and gentleness, and his laid back-ness.  I love that he takes the time to listen to  me and really hear me.  I often think when looking at him from across the room, "He is a hottie, how did I get so lucky?"

For those of you who are about to gag at this public blurting of affection, I would not recommend that you click on the below video.  But-- I do have a question..why do some people accept this type of PDA from newlyweds and those who just fell in love, but when it is a couple who have been in a long term, committed marriage, it seems to bring about discomfort in some people?  Are they just prudes?  Are they jealous?  Do they just not believe that it is possible after 10 years to actually mean and feel fun, flirty and genuine words of affection?  What is it that brings about that gag reflex? Just curious.

Well, I think that not only is it possible, it is how God intended it to be.  Has anyone read Songs of Solomon lately?  Now that is some pretty steamy public blurts of affection!

Orange-Almond Polenta Cake With Strawberries

This cake is moist, filling, not-too-sweet and delish!  It is perfect for summer.  The citrus flavor is really light and refreshing, although the cake is filling and hearty thanks to the almonds, cornmeal and chia seeds. I will definitely be making it again!

 Orange-Almond Polenta Cake With Strawberries 
{Vegan Version Included}
{adapted from The Moosewood Restaurant Cookbook}

1/3 cup cornmeal
2/3 cup unbleached white flour {next time I will try wheat}
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
11/2 cups almonds
1/2 cup sugar {or sucanat}
1 orange
1/2 cup vegetable oil {I used coconut oil}
2 eggs {I used "chia egg substitute"--1 Tablespoon chia seed to 3 Tablespoons water for each egg.  Stir and let set until gel-like. About 10 minutes}
1 cup of berries {I used strawberries}

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly oil and flour a 9 inch cake pan.

Sift the cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl.  In a blender or food processor, whirl the almonds and sugar until the almonds are finely ground.  Add to the flour mixture.

Grate the orange peel and juice the orange (about 1/3 cup).  Add the orange juice, orange zest, oil eggs (or chia substitute), and 1/3 cup of water to the blender or food processor and whirl for about 15 seconds.  Add the dry ingredients and blend until well mixed, using a spatula to scrape down the sides if necessary.  Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the cake from the pan.
Serve with your choice of berries.  {I used Strawberries that were mashed and heated, then cooled}

The Gift Of A Vacation--One Thousand Gifts #22

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

I know it is not Monday, but after such an amazing vacation with my family, I had to post about the gifts.  We spent a week in Breckenridge and had a super good time.  I am so grateful.


#536-#589

~LIFE.  I am alive.  He has brought me-- carried me to this place of mountains I dreamed of when I was sick.

~standing on snow in shorts

~my youngest girl and her cousin, discussing Grandpa and Grandma's generosity to provide this family trip

~amazing food everyday.  Nourishing.

~a smile on my face that is hard to erase.  How can I keep from singing and shouting His name?

~ a morning, 2- block walk alone to the Amazing Grace Natural Cafe

~granola w/ cranberries, bananas.  Soy milk in a small metal pitcher. A 'just-out-of-the-oven' scone.

~listening to the locals banter.  They are regulars here at this Amazing Grace cafe. I would be too, we would be friends, if I lived here.

~getting caught on my walk in the sprinklers

~an early morning stroll alone.  I find a church.  I stop to gaze at the cross top and thank Him for this day.

~candles burning in old church windows

~grandma bouncing grand baby

~brooks, streams and rivers

~grandpa chuckling to himself while reading from his Kindle

~energy to have FUN.

~His  BIGNESS!  He made these mountains!!

~on these mountains, my eyes seem to see the furthest east to west.  This is how far He has removed my transgressions!

~cousins playing board games

~a life that is so very blessed.

~journals and books

~a fancy dinner with my mother-in-law and sister-in-laws.  One of my favorite memories made. My heart bursts with love for them.

~the quaint shops of Breckenridge.

~my girls searching for the perfect souvenir to buy with the money Grandpa pulled from his pocket.

~listening and hearing my husband.  Putting my defenses down, caring more for his feelings than my own.  God's grace to do so.

~my awe in a spice store.  Amazed by all the scents from nature, I again praise the Creator.

~white water rafting.  The warmth of my wetsuit (we won't talk about how they smelled).  Safety.

~ my girls squeals of joy when rafting on white water

~Alpine slides and chair lifts

~cordless earphones in the car for our girls. A DVD player.

~ awesome time to bond with husband as kids watch movies in the car

~a private suite within a large family cabin.  Our own kitchen and bathroom.  Amazing.

~daughter overcoming her fear on chairlift

~alpine treetops.  Viewing them from above.

~bumping into friends I have not seen in over 24 years!!  So good to see you, Melissa & Jon!

~'fake' Keens that worked just as well as 'real' Keens

~watching nephews rock climb.  Their will and determination.

~bro-in-laws. Their unique personalities.  Their love for their families.  Their wisdom.

~cousins rock collections, their discovery of textures and colors

~the swiveling, wall-mounted t.v. in our suite

~orange poppies.  Their heads dancing, pointing toward majestic mountains

~family strolls, family time

~veggie pizza, served on white and red checkered tablecloths

~a leisure afternoon of shopping, when what the clock says just does not matter

~cupcakes with my cuppy-cuppy cupcakes!  Sweets with my sweetie-pies!

~a- latte -a- day----my vacation splurge

~a family train of twenty biking down the mountain.  Our splitting up then meeting again creates the rhythm of the day.

~feeling so alive as I coast down the mountain.  The words in my head--"The firmament shows His handiwork!!"

~forcing myself to not smile while biking, don't want bugs in my teeth!

~baby bike buggy

~daddy taking his girls horseback riding so I can shop alone

~flowering cactus, another something to delight my girls

~kind, patient zip line instructors

~safety on all 6 zips!

~little girls with big courage

~flying across the canyon, celebrating that I can!

~safety.  Our trip ends with an ambulance and paramedics.  They give our youngest 2 thumbs up after falling onto cement from 5 feet up.  She wanted to help pack the top of the car, and proceeded to do so after being told no!! Ugh.

~a sore wrist, but not broken.  A raw knee that can still walk.  A red knot on her head but no serious head injury.  Safe.