Big Changes

August is the month that always seems to bring big changes in my life. In 2001, August was the month when I was diagnosed with diabetes and thyroid disease. It was the same month, and same day that year actually, that I found out I was getting laid off. See what I mean? BIG changes! Then in 2006, August was the month I found out I was pregnant! Another BIG (but very good) change. Now in 2010, August is bringing about some major life changes...even bigger than the past if you can believe that! This August we will be packing up and moving several states away to Nashville, TN.

Brad got a new job in Nashville, which has been a result of many years of searching and many prayers. My prayers were more focused on him getting that new opportunity here in Orlando, where the majority of our family is, but God has other plans it seems. I am torn because I'm so happy for him, but so sad to be leaving family and friends, my job and a whole life that we built here. Right now our whole life is in motion...my job, Evan's daycare, our house...all these things have to be figured out in a new city. We are very grateful that we do have Brad's sister and family there in Nashville, so we have smiling faces to great us when we arrive.

But all these BIG changes, even the good ones, come with at least some amount of fear and worry. Looking back I can see how God worked through what seemed so devastating 9 years ago, so why wouldn't he be working in that same way now? He is, and I need to remember that. My emotions make it hard for me, but I'm fighting them and praying a lot. Looking to God's word helps. Isn't that how He works? He puts you in situations where you are reminded how helpless and out of control you are. He wants you to come to him as He is the only true help, and he doesn't want you to lose sight of that.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

We've already seen God working in so many ways over the last few weeks. I am going to be able to continue working at my job, just remotely. God has placed me in a wonderful company with great people. This is the job he dropped into my lap, through a dear friend, right after I got laid off 9 years ago. He knew what the future held. I am in the process of hiring a marketing assistant to be in the office and support me. It had always been the plan to have a 2 person marketing department, and I'm excited that there are some very qualified candidates who are interested in the position. I had looked to fill this position 4 months ago, but had a smaller qualified candidate pool available at that time and the company decided to use internal resources instead. Again, just shows how God works in the right time.

Ideally, we would like to move up to Nashville over Labor Day weekend. Brad needs to be at his job that first full week in September. They are currently letting him work remotely for the month of August to give us the time we need for the move. But, as of now, we don't have a place to rent. We have a few options we are looking into, and keeping our eye out for anything new. It's so hard when you don't know an area...we are using our family up there as a resource, which has been a huge help! But, preschool for Evan has also been a bit hard to find in a good location to where we may rent and where Brad's job is, and is also affordable. I didn't realize how good we had it at his current preschool, I guess. Plus, I would love a Christian preschool again. I got discouraged at first but have found some possibilities that are Christian. Hoping we really like them once we visit them.

I would appreciate prayers for all the final details to work out quickly and in God's will. And prayers that my emotions don't overwhelm me as we say goodbye. My family and friends have been so supportive and helped make it so much easier for me. There encouragement means the world to me, and also reminds me why I loved living close to them. I'm going to miss everyone so much! But don't worry, we will be visiting as much as we can - definitely for Christmas. Plus, I may need to come back from time to time for my job.

Beautiful Birthday

UPDATED: PHOTOS ADDED

The past few years my birthday has gone by without much fanfare, which is fine with me. I've been very preoccupied with my busy life and raising a little one so the days really are just flying by! But it was very nice this year when I got to have some extra fun celebrating my birthday. I felt so special as so many people wished me well on my birthday. And I got to celebrate 2 weekends in a row, with both family and friends. I had, not one, but 3 cakes! All were delicious, but one was extra special because it was homemade and amazingly decorated by a sweet friend. Plus I got to go to 2 performances, one a ballet and the other Cirque du Soleil! La Nouba - the Cirque du Soleil show - was a surprise from my husband...he did good!! :) I had no idea what he had planned and it's something I had mentioned a long time ago wanting to see.

Oh, and I've decided to start celebrating the anniversary of my 29th birthday because I really don't feel any older than that! And I won't tell you how many anniversaries I'm celebrating this year! But life is good, and worth celebrating another blessed year!

Evan loved to help me blow out my candles!

This is the beautiful cake my friend made...by hand. Isn't it amazing!

Sushi Making 101

I have wanted to make my own sushi for years now. I first learned about it before I got pregnant with Evan so probably 4 or more years ago. I even bought a rolling kit that included a mat and instructions. But there was just never the opportunity, and then the kit ended up forgotten about in a drawer. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, Brad and I had a rare Saturday afternoon to ourselves because my mom and stepdad were entertaining Evan, and decided to grab some sushi. During our lunch I remembered the kit and how I'd still hoped to do a sushi making night. I realized Brad's birthday was coming up in a couple weeks so I mentioned it to him. Since he loves sushi, he was all for the idea! So we contacted a few friends and scheduled it for last Saturday!

It was a great time, and though we went all out for our first time, if we had kept it more simple, it would have been cheaper than eating at a sushi restaurant. We did end up being able to enjoy sushi for 3 days because of all we'd gotten. I think we will incorporate this into our dinner plans more often.

In addition, Brad loves tempura so he decided to make some shrimp tempura as well. I told him up front that I'd get everything for making regular sushi rolls but if he wanted tempura, he'd have to do it himself. I'm not good with oil. In fact, I almost burnt down our house when I was a teenager making mozzarella sticks! Okay, not really, but I did start a small fire on the stove!

I did some research up front to learn how to do everything and though I'd share what I learned. First off, I found this great website, http://makemysushi.com/. You have to check it out if you want to make sushi. It has demonstration graphics and all the basic information you'll need to know.

Luckily, Orlando has great Asian markets downtown that offer supplies at the best price, but many Publix supermarkets now offer everything as well, just a little bit more cost. I was lucky to have a guy help me at the Asian market who was a chef for many years and gave me a run down on how to make the shrimp tempura. A five minute lesson of what he'd learned over 10 years! I passed this info along to Brad and he did a great job with it. It turned out delicious. That was the one thing that was all gone by the end of the night. (Also, the website I mentioned has a shrimp tempura tutorial - wish we had seen that before, then we would have known to put them on a skewer to keep them straight. Well, we'll try that next time!)

If you are interested in trying this out for yourself, below are the basic supplies/food you'll need. You have to make sure to get sushi rice - it's a short grain rice that will be sticky enough to hold together when you roll it. It actually sticks to your fingers when you are making it, so have a bowl with water and sushi seasoning mixed to dip your fingers in.

Basic Supplies:
Nori (Seaweed)
Gari (Picked ginger)
Wasabi
Sushi Rice (Shari)
Sushi Seasoning (or rice vinegar, sugar and salt - see recipe at link below)
Rolling mat (the ones with one side flat and the other round are the easiest to use)

Filling Ingredient Ideas (Choose ones to make the rolls you like):
Tuna - raw
Shrimp - cooked
Imitation Crab
Carrots
Avacado
Cucumber
Cream Cheese
Green Onion

Topping Ideas:
Toasted Sesame Seeds
Spicy Mayo

Here is the direct link on how to make the sushi rice - http://makemysushi.com/index.php/Sushi-Preparations/sushi-rice.html

Check out all the other links in the Sushi University area for tips and techniques for rolling the sushi and cutting the filling items. You can make traditional rolls or just put together different combinations that look good to you and enjoy! I liked being able to try different combinations than what is typically available. All were very good!

Here are some fun photos from our sushi party. I'm definitely ready to do it again soon!

I'm Really Still Here - and an Award

I know, I've been a bad blogger. :( This new year just kick started into high gear and I've been feeling so behind in all areas of my life. Unfortunately, my blog is often what gets neglected in these times. It may also be that I'm on a computer all day and when I get home I find it hard to get back on when I really need a break from it. I know these are all just excuses! I'm good at excuses, but I am going to try my best to keep this blog updated more often. We also haven't been doing much but daily life things so don't have too much to post about.

Anyway, my blog friend Summer has given me an award! My first one ever! It's the "Your Blog Makes Us Smile" award. Thanks Summer...she is just a ray of sunshine herself and I find such strength and perspective when I read her blog. I know what I deal with having diabetes is minor compared to her health problems, but as I see her deal with everything she goes through day to day it helps me find the strength on those days, like today, when my blood sugars are high and making me feel terrible. She is an inspiration truly! You should check out her blog!

Now I'm supposed to pass this along, and sadly, I'm not sure if I have 7 blogger friends to list. I'm really new to the bloggy world, and a lot of the blogs I read are popular blogs that many others read and have received many other awards. But here are a few:

Stephanie Sofka - my sister-in-law can always look at a situation from a different perspective and learn from life's circumstances, all while focusing on God. And she can always lift your spirits. She's a strong and sweet Christian women and I'm so proud to call her sister and friend. Oh, and she's kinda like me - a sporadic blogger! :)

Mike Sofka - want a good laugh? Check out my brother-in-law's blog. He is one of the most hilarious people I know! When he and Brad get together, it's a laugh riot the whole time! Yet he is also serious in his faith in God, and he's good at picking out great bible verses to share that seem to be just what others need to hear.

Layne - I recently connected with Layne through another diabetes blog. She lives right in town and we just met the other day. It is so nice to have someone around here who understands what I'm going through and that I can share experiences with. We've been able to learn so much from each other already! She has a great blog where she chronicles her life and how she manages her diabetes, and her job as a nurse in a NICU, which I think is just amazing!

Elle Nault - I love how through her blog I can tell how much she enjoys being a mother. She has a sweet spirit, and is honest and open with her feelings surrounding what is happening in her life.

Now I'm to list 7 things that make me smile. This part should be easy enough!

1. My little sunshine - my son Evan who is going to be 3 years old in April
2. My husband - his sense of humor is always making me laugh!
3. Watching my husband and son play together
4. Being surrounded by family, wherever and whenever!
5. Shopping - for a sale or deal of course!
6. Getting together with girlfriends
7. A bright, sunny day - good thing I live in Florida!

Thanks again Summer for giving me motivation and a topic to get me back into blogging!

Extremely Thankful for Life and Health

We have been enjoying time together lately with Brad's sister and brother-in-law before they leave for Tennessee. It is a bitter sweet time and I am seeing Evan bond with his cousins more than I thought he would at such a young age. He pitched a fit last night when we were leaving, saying he wanted to stay at "Garrett's house." My heart breaks for him, and for us, as we will lose this closeness we've come to cherish over the last 9 months. Our hope is to make plans for family vacations or trips to visit each other to make the time apart seem not so long.

But in the midst of the sadness, there is gratefulness. Gratefulness that God has brought a new job for Mike that uses his talent in illustration, which he loves. Gratefulness that they have good friends and a good church to go back to in Nashville. Gratefulness that Stephanie and Mike and the boys are all healthy. So much lately I've heard about people suffering, people with cancer who leave their families when they are way too young, even babies. Currently my friend April had her baby 10 weeks early and the baby is only 3 lbs. Please lift her baby girl Anna up in your prayers. She had surgery this morning because a valve in her heart hadn't closed. But she is proving to be strong, is eating well and has gained weight. I know God has his hands on her, and I've praying so hard for this new little life, and for comfort and peace for April and her husband Pete. That is why we need to remember every morning when we wake up that God has given us another day to live, another day of good health and happiness. All of this cannot be taken for granted.

This reminds me of the following verse. Thank you, Lord, for holding me and my family in your hands, finding us worthy and keeping us safe according to your will.

Matthew 10:29-31 (New International Version)
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Oh, Baby

I got to meet sweet little Tristan today and had to share some photos. God is amazing to create this beautiful miracle. Congratulations to Jessica and Tian!

Tristan George Chan, born 9/5/09 at 10:32am

6 lbs, 15 oz and 20 3/4 in long

Making Manicotti's

Well, life has gotten in the way again and it's been months since my last post. Today is the start of our staycation so I'm finding some free time on my hands! Yeah! For the next week no work!

This afternoon I'm in a quiet house (very rare) and enjoying some time cooking...my favorite, Italian manicotti's. This is a family recipe (I'm 1/2 Italian - yes, I didn't get the skin tone!) that I was taught to make by my Mommom (Dad's Mom). I don't get the chance to make it regularly, just on special occasions. The special occasion today - my good friend Jessica just had a baby! Another baby boy for my group of friends. I am so excited and promised her I'd make some food for her freezer. With the new baby to care for she's going to need prepared food that is easy to heat up but keeps her nourished to breastfeed the baby. I'm making a double batch so there will be some leftover for us too! To go along with the manicotti's, I'm making homemade pasta sauce and Italian meatballs. If I have time I'll also be making Gnocchi's tomorrow. I'm getting hungry!

With Jessica's new baby here, it makes me think back to when Evan was born. The time was so exciting and joy filled, and miraculous! It seems like yesterday at times...but Evan is almost 2 1/2 now! And seems like such a big boy already. Where does the time go? I'm enjoying every minute of it though. Today I took Evan to a park, and he meet another little boy who was 3 1/2, and they had such fun playing together. Such little boys...climbing up the slide and then slipping into each other and sliding back down laughing! I'm so glad he gets along so well with other children. By the end of our time there, they were calling each other friends. How easy little kids make friends. Now Evan is thoroughly worn out and taking a long nap...giving me quiet time to make my Italian fare! Boy, it smells delicious!

I'm hoping I'll get to meet little Tristan tomorrow if Jessica is up for visitors at the hospital. Haven't heard all the details on him except he was born sometime before 11am, weighed 6 lbs 15 oz and had a good head of hair! I'm sure it is dark like Tian's. Babies are miracles, and an amazing gift from God. There is no way you can't believe that or feel that when you hold a newborn baby. There has to be more than just us...a higher being, God, who creates. Welcome to the world, Tristan George Chan! Can't wait to give you kisses!

Had to share the photo of the cake I made for Jessica's baby shower last month.

Came out so cute!

Had the baby's name on top with little baby feet.



And a photo of me and Steph (the hosts) with Jessica.

New Years Fun

I had to post some cute photos from our fun New Year's Eve. We were invited over to John and Summer's place. Low key, but really nice hanging out with them and Shawn and Amy and their sweet girls Sophia and Nora. Evan had a blast playing with the girls and they loved running around the house. Evan was a trooper and stayed up until midnight, actually until 1 am when he crashed on the couch. He's got to be really tired to fall asleep anywhere but his crib.

A little dancin'

Sophia's interpretation of Mr. Potato Head

Running around!

Giving Sophia a hug. So sweet!

The guys trying to help Evan learn the game.


Sparklers!

Cutie Nora

The ladies

Nice photo of us with Summer and John

Shawn and Amy introduced us to their New Year's Eve tradition. At midnight, you sip champagne, kiss you sweetheart, hold money for prosperity and eat 12 grapes for good luck! It's a lot to get into one minute right at the beginning of the new year. But we'll take any luck in 2009. Here's hoping it's better, mostly financially, than 2008.