You smell the way I want you to smell.
During our time in Huntsville, we have been able to hang out with my niece (Katie,9) Nephews (Noah, 7, and VJ,18 months). They all are so individual and delightful... most of the time. Katie is so smart and inquisitive, and Noah would say BOSSY. We play games together, currently, the favorite is Trouble in the bubble. The other day we painted her nails and it only took 1 hour, due to the multiple retouches. Noah is FUNNY. He says things like "You're my favorite Auntie because you smell the way I want you to smell." (He has a thing for perfume, I think). He loves movies and he loves to re-in-act them even more. As soon as the movie is over he runs into his room and replays the whole movie while admiring his shadow. VJ has newly discovered the world of walking and mischief. He got a rocking horse for Christmas and he loves to give it "loves" and make nay sounds.
Christmas Meal & Stollen
As most of you know I (tyrone) have a disdain for the 'normal' holiday meals (Ham, Turkey) so I was pretty pleased at this years Christmas meal that was a collaboration between my mother, my brother-in-laws mother, and me.
My mom brought scalloped potatoes (tasty as to be expected) and a chocolate cake (because we do a 'Happy Birthday Jesus Cake!' from time to time as part of Christmas Dinner), Ursula (bro-in-law's mom) brought cranberry & apples (sauce/relish) dish and my personal favorite for coffee or tea, Stollen (at my request of course). I cooked the protein/meat which was a pecan-crusted chicken with a creamy honey mustard sauce, the vegetable was baby carrots with cream of cilantro sauce, and wheat rolls with butter/Gorgonzola/olive tapenade center (baked inside).
ALL the food was delicious and excellent but I want to talk about the Stollen for a minute...for all the tea, chai, coffee drinkers out there that eat biscotti, scones, or any baked bread item in between you should really try Stollen. Click the underlined link above for the Wikipedia definition, history, and recipes.
I guess I could have asked Ursula for the recipe but what's the fun in that? If I could make it for myself, would I? I don't know. Some things are more prized or special when other people make them their way for you, and you come to expect it that way...sometimes it's disappointing to try other recipes and not taste like when they make them.
At this point, If I ate someone else's Stollen I'm not sure I would like it, or if it would 'measure up' to Ursula's...because she is (by the way) German so I would suspect the Stollen would be as original and genuine as you can get (with of course any historic family influence it has had along the way).
In Transit to Alabama for the Holidays!
Leaving Texas traveling to Alabama with some small stops along the way to visit friends and 'debrief' from our time at the Mercy Ships IOC (International Operations Center) in East Texas.
We will be spending the holidays with my family as we enjoy a few days of rest, reflection, and some last minute fund raising before traveling to the Africa Mercy in a little over 2 weeks!
We will be spending the holidays with my family as we enjoy a few days of rest, reflection, and some last minute fund raising before traveling to the Africa Mercy in a little over 2 weeks!
Charitable Giving Choices? Consider Us!
Consider financially supporting us this year as we go to West Africa to work as volunteers with Mercy Ships, you can donate online (securely) tax deductible by clicking this link: Tyrone & Stephanie OR make your check payable to Mercy Ships but be sure to use the 'FOR' or 'MEMO' part of your check to insert our code: #MSQ1606 and mail to: mySHIPMATES - PO BOX 2020 - Garden Valley, TX 75771
Bittersweet
Bittersweet refers to a combination of the standard tastes of sweetness and bitterness, and is often used as a metaphor for experiences which have elements of both happiness and sadness.
As we prepare to leave Texas that is the emotion I have today while boxing things and throwing away trash...Stephanie is at work, her last day in the Mother Francis ER.
We will miss many people here as we have made many friends. But speaking for myself I think I will miss the Hoag family and Sunday School class the most. (Grace CommunityNewlyweds or was it young married couples? Anyway, I qualify for both! )
Of course Stephanie will miss friends she has made at work and around Tyler and Mercy Ships, but with Mercy Ships you tend to bump into them again somewhere on this small planet.
It hasn't been without its struggles preparing for our next adventure but mostly small and insignificant. The most recent being a 'hiccup' in Mercy Ships HR with their need for additional information, which I am sure will straighten itself out...but keep praying for us as we travel to Alabama for the Holidays, then to meet the ship. Also for our financial support as well.
Sad to go, Happy to be continuing on with these great oppurtunities...yeah, Bittersweet.
As we prepare to leave Texas that is the emotion I have today while boxing things and throwing away trash...Stephanie is at work, her last day in the Mother Francis ER.
We will miss many people here as we have made many friends. But speaking for myself I think I will miss the Hoag family and Sunday School class the most. (Grace CommunityNewlyweds or was it young married couples? Anyway, I qualify for both! )
Of course Stephanie will miss friends she has made at work and around Tyler and Mercy Ships, but with Mercy Ships you tend to bump into them again somewhere on this small planet.
It hasn't been without its struggles preparing for our next adventure but mostly small and insignificant. The most recent being a 'hiccup' in Mercy Ships HR with their need for additional information, which I am sure will straighten itself out...but keep praying for us as we travel to Alabama for the Holidays, then to meet the ship. Also for our financial support as well.
Sad to go, Happy to be continuing on with these great oppurtunities...yeah, Bittersweet.
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