Everything?

If anyone missed it, Isaiah broke his elbow by wrestling with his brothers. How did we know? Because he cried for longer than one minute, which is rare for him. His cast was on for about a month and a half and he was such an example to all of us in his great attitude. He never once complained and even acted as if it were normal to have one arm! I was amazed. I have always struggled with this scripture from Philippians 2:14 "Do EVERYTHING (even while in pain) without complaining or arguing." Isaiah brought this scripture to life. Everything is not only physical pain, but emotional pain, things not going our way, chores or projects we have to do, serving people we don't like, etc. Jesus is our ultimate example in his life and death. Isaiah showed us all it is still possible, no matter your age or situation. The cast is off now and he is back in action without skipping a single beat.

Yogert Paint

Looks like Isaiah is enjoying his yogurt right? Most parents would be thrilled to find their 4 year old devouring his plain Greek yogurt and I was. Unfortunately his older brother did not appreciate it as much. Instead of eating it, they combined their toddler brains and decided to "paint" with it instead...all over the van! They painted the front and back seat that Isaiah is sitting on, his arm rests, the windows, themselves, and best of all, their baby sister!! Where was I, you might be asking yourself? It's hard to believe, but I was actually in the van the whole time and had no clue it was going on!
Here is a quote to help you understand:
"I once asked a woman what it was like to have four kids. She said, 'Imagine you are drowning and a someone hands you a baby.'"

Shrimp Lo Mein

In continuing "Good Daniel Fast Recipes" from the January 21 blog entry:

Shrimp Lo Mein

Serves 4

4 scallions, whites and greens separated, chopped

2 medium carrots, cut into slices

2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

12 oz lo mein noodles

1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

4 oz shitake mushrooms

2 tbsp oyster sauce

3/4 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil

1/2 red bell pepper, sliced

Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions.

In a wok or large skillet, heat the oil over high heat.

When the oil is lightly smoking, add the garlic, ginger, and scallion whites and stir-fry for 30 seconds, until lightly golden.

Add the mushrooms, carrots, and bell pepper, and continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes, using a metal spatula to keep the vegetables in near-constant motion (If using a wok, use a wooden spoon so you don't' scratch it).

Toss the shrimp and cook until just pink and slightly firm. You would skip this step on the Daniel Fast.

Add the cooked noodles, oyster sauce, and soy sauce to the pan.

Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, until the sauce is thickened and covers the noodles in a light sheen.

Divide the mixture among 4 plates and garnish with the scallion greens.

Caprese Tomato Towers

In continuing "Good Daniel Fast Recipes" from the January 21 blog entry:

Caprese Tomato Towers

Serves 4

Salt and black pepper to taste

4 medium tomatoes (preferably different color heirloom tomatoes)

1 tbsp olive oil

16 large fresh basil leaves

1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar

6 oz fresh mozzarella

Slice the tomatoes into thick slices (each tomato should yield 4 or 5 slices). Slice the cheese into slightly thinner disks. There should be an equal number of tomato and cheese slices.

Place a tomato in the center of a small salad plate. Top with a mozzarella slice and a single basil leaf. Repeat until you've used up a quarter of the tomatoes, cheese, and basil. If you really want to nail this, salt and pepper each individual layer. If using different color tomatoes, alternate the slices throughout. Repeat with the rest of the tomatoes, cheese, and basil, making 4 towers in all. Drizzle each tower with a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar and season again with salt and pepper.

Of course if you are on the Daniel Fast you will do all but the cheese slices. It's beautiful and a great snack or side dish, especially if you are a tomato lover!