Cuz, I'm COOL like that

Christian's school hands out C.O.O.L kid awards once a month. Here are the 4 expectations of a C.O.O.L kid at Evergreen:

* I will learn and play safely

* I will be a problem solver

* I will respect myself, others and property

* I will make Evergreen a great place to learn

Christian's award was for being a problem solver by helping others without being asked and talking out problems. I was very proud of him. This year has been very difficult for Christian, and he's made such wonderful progress since the beginning of the school year. It's nice to hear that he cares so much about the other kids and is always willing to help out wherever he can.

Tigers Baseball

Christian had his first game Saturday. He did such a wonderful job, I am so proud of him. He played 2nd base, right field and catcher. He says to me, after playing catcher; "I feel like a robot with all that stuff on, it's cool!" - Catcher is his new favorite position.

The age group he's in is "Coach pitch" and they only get 4 balls thrown to them, then they are done. Christian went up to bat the first time and didn't hit the ball. He was a little bummed but I'm proud of his positive attitude and trying again. The second time up to bat, he hit the ball and eventually made it home. You should have seen the look on his face. What a huge smile he had crossing home plate. When he returned to the dug out he says, "mom aren't you proud of me?" I said "of course honey, I've very proud of you". He came over and asked if he could give me a hug. I was really shocked he asked, because lately it's been; "mom, stop it". He's at the age where he's starting to get a little embarrassed of his mom.


2nd base

1st and 2nd try batting

Random Pictures from Afghanistan

Rande sent me a few pictures the other day and I wanted to share a few with you. I have posted them all to our photo website; Henderson Photography. (which is open to anyone who wants to view our photos - I just made it private for safety reasons)

Rande is doing really well. Right now his PL (platoon leader) is gone. So Rande is the PL and PSG (platoon sergeant). Please pray for guidance, wisdom and confidence. He has never done this before, but I know he will do great.

Another prayer request would be for some of our friends from Alpha Company - 3rd platoon. This was the company/platoon Rande was with since we moved to Ft. Lewis until this past September. Three of them were severely injured, when their vehicle was hit with an IED. We thank and praise God for his hand that was upon these men and spared their lives. But I ask that you pray for their families and fiances who need comfort and strength during this time. One of them just had a baby girl in February.

Thank you all for your prayers, it is a powerful thing and it works!

Rande and his camels...j/k I just love his big grin in this one

Playing with C4 like he always does

Afghan children fighting over the last of breakfast

Szechwan Shrimp

This is for all you seafood lovers, who want something light and easy. I had some shrimp sitting in my freezer and wanted to try something new. So I looked at one of my favorite sites (All recipes) and found this. It's low calorie (which is always a plus for me) and super easy to make.

4 TBSP water

2 TBSP ketchup

1 TBSP soy sauce

2 tsp cornstarch

1 tsp honey

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

1/3 tsp ground ginger

1 TSP vegetable oil

1/4 C sliced green onions

4 cloves garlic, minced

12 oz cooked shrimp, tails removed

1. In a bowl, stir together, water, ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch, honey, crushed red pepper, and ground ginger. Set aside

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. stir in green onions and garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in shrimp, and toss to coat with oil. Stir in sauce. Cook and stir until sauce is bubbly and thickened.

Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 142 Total Fat: 4.4 grams

I served over brown rice and added steamed broccoli.

Mama's boy

The other day I had a parent/teacher conference for Ashlee. While I was talking with her teacher, one of the other teachers was talking with Ashlee, asking who Christian was, etc. Ashlee was wearing her Redskin shirt, and the teacher asked if she liked the Redskins. Ashlee replied "I love the Redskins and my daddy loves the Redskins too. I like them because I'm his girl and he likes them". She (Ashlee) looks over to Christian and says, "but Christian...he is a mama's boy". Christian, without a word, nodded his head yes.

Birthday Fun in Oregon

Last weekend, we drove down to Corvallis, OR to celebrate Tucker's (my nephew) 1st bday. We had lots of fun and were able to see Grandma, and Grandpa as well as Uncle Josh and Aunt Liz. Thank you guys for letting us stay with you, we truly enjoyed every moment. Here are a few pictures....

Christian reading Tucker a book, while mommy and daddy were out on a date
Christian and Ashlee taking over Tucker's toys, which he was happy to share...for now :)

Playing with Grandma

My sister in law did a WONDERFUL job on the cupcakes, food, and decorations. She's my hero!

Ashlee and Peyton

(Peyton is Liz's sister Faith's little girl. Her and Ashlee were the flower girls at Josh and Liz's wedding when they were 1 1/2. They got a long so good, and some said they looked like sisters. Such beautiful girls)

Tucker devouring his little cake. I believe he ate half of this, and would have kept eating had Liz not took it away. He was so cute!

Picture for Grandma and Grandpa - "Howeth" Grandchildren

I think Tucker was just about done with these two "big kids" by now

Crustless Cranberry Pie

I first tried this recipe at my friend Tiffany's house one morning with coffee. She is an amazing cook! (side note) She has a wonderful website with delicious recipes..look on our blog under "she cooks." You are going to love this dish, it can be a dessert, or breakfast..you decide!

1 C all-purpose flour
1 C white sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 C cranberries
1/2 C chopped walnuts
1/2 C butter, melted
2 eggs
1 tsp almond extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease one 9" pie pan.
Combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir in cranberries and walnuts, and toss to coat. Stir in the butter, beaten eggs, and almond extract. if you are using frozen cranberries, the mixture will be very thick. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream (optional).