Joyfully Hand-Picked

Greek Shrimp and Spaghetti Squash

2008-08-21T11:55:00.003-05:00

Greek-Style Shrimp and Spaghetti Squash

1 spaghetti squash
1/4 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 pound watercress
2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 cup crumbles feta cheese
1/2 cup pine nuts

Prick spaghetti squash with a fork and place in a large kettle. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes. Drain and slice the squash in half. Remove the seeds and cool.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and saute crushed garlic cloves. Add peeled, cleaned shrimp, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes. Add watercress, chopped tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and pine nuts. Stir until well heated, about 2 minutes.
Scrape the squash lengthwise to separate the strands. Pour the shrimp mixture over the squash to serve.

Makes 4 servings.

This is our new favorite meal, and oh so healthy and light. The spaghetti squash gives a bit of a crunch with the shrimp mixture. It is delicious. I used Spinach in place of the watercress. Watercress can be hard to find and may be a bit more bitter. This is must try especially of you like Greek food. Let me know how you like it!

Stats Are In

2008-08-21T11:40:00.002-05:00

Evan had is 9 month check up on Monday. All is well and our little boy is growing strong and mighty. Here are the stats:

Weight: 18.5 pounds = 10%
Height: 29.25 inches = 70%
Head Circumference: 47 = 85%

So our baby continues to be LONG and LEAN with a big Lucas head. I asked about his low percentage of weight and the doctor had no worries. He said that at this age is when they really start looking at the parents as genes will kick in and the child will start taking after the parents. So if Mama and Daddy are thin, they expect the baby to be as well. We had no shots this time, only a finger prick, in which Evan looked at nurse Judy like "Are you for real? What the heck was that?" No crying just a look of confusion. As Dr. Davey and I chatted, Evan enjoyed ripping up the paper bed liner only eating a few bites of it as well as the cotton ball used on his finger. Good times. Now we start introducing more finger foods and start weaning off all pureed foods. Exciting for Evan, a little sad for Mama. I so enjoy making Evan's food I'm not quite ready to quit. He's growing so darn fast 1 Year is right around the corner. GASP!

Apricots = Yummy Goodness

2008-08-15T10:21:00.002-05:00

I love making Evan's food. It gives me so much joy to prepare yummy food for him and see all the vibrant colors homemade food creates. Making baby food is so easy and fun too. All you need is a food processor or blender, a 1/2 hour of your day, and some love.

These apricots came from the Lucas farm. We were down there for a family picnic and saw that the tree was full and ripe. My eyes lit up thinking of all the yummy food I could make for Evan, for free!
I washed and pitted them. Then layed them out skin side up on a baking sheet with about an inch of water, and baked them till the skins were golden.
Then it was time to peel off the skin and plop them into the food processor. A few spins and lovely puree was created.
I save the plastic containers that store bought food is in and reuse them for my own food. My neighbor has been kind enough to save hers and give them to me as well.

Thanks Great Grandma Kate and Great Grandpa Ned for the delicious apricots! Evan's eyes got big and he had a huge smile after the first bite. There's nothing like freshly picked fruit.

nudges and pushes of encouragment

2008-08-13T16:43:00.005-05:00

This last Sunday we learned about the mating rituals of Eagles. Eagles will mate for life. The Female, when she spots a Male she's interested in, will pick up a large stick and then fly really high and drop it. The Male eagle will then fly down and catch the stick before it hits the ground. If in fact this happens and the Male does catch the stick, the Female knows he is a suitable mate. When Baby eagles are hatched and it is time for them to learn to fly, the Mother will stand on the side of the nest and flap her wings so fast that the wind from it will pick the Babies up off the nest encouraging them to open their wings and practice flying. If after a few trials a Baby is lazy and does not open it's wings the Mother will push it out of the nest. But right before it hits the ground, the Father swoops down to catch the Baby and bring it back up to the nest. They will repeat this until finally the Baby opens it wings to fly.

So how does this story pertain to God and us? Our God is with us for life he will never leave us. He stands beside us sometimes creating a wind to lift us. He encourages us to flap our wings for his kingdom. This maybe out of our comfort at times; and in those times when we become lazy he may push us out of the nest to awaken us. And just when we think it can't get any worse and it's over, he is there catching us and bring us back to the nest. This may continue until we are strong and focused enough to fly out on our own. May we sing praises to our God of encouragement, of help, and of constant love. His plan is greater than ours and his teachings mold us to be his holy children.

"Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63: 7-8

Froggie Legs

2008-08-12T15:41:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago we took Evan swimming. As you can see he thoroughly enjoyed it. How blessed we are to get to see Evan find joy in so many firsts. It gives me a glimpse of how God feels to watch us discover his creation.

The Finer Things

2008-08-08T17:23:00.002-05:00

"There's nothing finer in life than true love and a home-grown tomato." -Gary Ibsen

Deep thoughts

2008-07-16T08:49:00.002-05:00

Would/Does Satan use my child as a distraction from my time with the Lord?

Yesterday this thought crossed my mind and I felt disgust and anger boiling up inside. At the thought of anything/anyone using my child against me makes the sirens go off the armor go up. It reminded me that there is a constant battle going on and that my God is always fighting for me-His child. I will fight to protect Evan the same way God fights for me.

Many times lately when I am spending time with my Lord-Evan needs me and interrupts our time. Sunday mornings at church are the same way. I get through worship and am ready to listen to what Pastor Matt has to say but Evan suddenly becomes restless and I have to leave the auditorium. Now I know babies will be babies and need our constant devotion but the timing of Evan's outbursts are sometimes questionable. Hence my first question; Would Satan use my child as a distraction from my time with the Lord? I sure would hope not. But it means this Mama must be ready for battle at all moments of the day.

I'm Listening

2008-07-11T08:31:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I was standing at my kitchen sink looking out the window. My thoughts focused on the question of how can my God relate to me whenever I need him--when there are so many other people in the world who need him at the same time? See I know my God is just that big, that he constantly surrounds all his children. And because I love him, he loves me even more. But still the question arose.

Then the strangest thing happened the same time those thoughts entered my head. I very clearly heard the words, "I'm Listening". That's all, "I'm Listening". Again I heard them and I my eyes slowly darted around the kitchen in wonder if I really did hear it. The internal voice is such an amazing thing. The dialog that goes on in my head can be so sporadic. But then when it is interrupted with such clarity, I know it is my Lord asking for my attention. So the rest of the afternoon I spent thinking about what it was I wanted to or needed to say. I'm still not exactly sure what I want/need to say. But I know He is patient and is assuring me that He IS there to listen. He just gave me a nudge to start the conversation.

Happy Anniversary my Sweet Love!!!!

2008-07-09T17:26:00.003-05:00

It's been four years...and I love him even more today than I did before.
Aargh to my Matey! I can't wait for more years together as we build our story.

Happy Anniversary!!

2008-07-09T16:16:00.002-05:00

Happy Anniversary to our good friends Katie & Zach Schlegel.
Yesterday was their big day. We love you two!

Happy Anniversary!!

2008-07-02T16:39:00.002-05:00

Happy Anniversary to our dearest friends Troy & Amy Douglas.
We love and miss you very much.
Keep being the rock-stars you are!

Praying Together

2008-06-25T08:38:00.003-05:00

'A couple who prays together, stays together.'

This was our lesson this week in our marriage study. I don't know how many times we've heard this saying, and we know that it's true, but yet we still are not praying together on a regular basis. This week's chapters were so great for Travis and I to read. They really opened our minds to realize what we need to do more of. And that is Pray Together. I know that Travis prays regularly and I know that I do as well. But we realized our prayer time together has been in a bouncing pattern. We do, then we stop, then we're back at it, then it's gone. Why don't we pray together? Our answer...I don't know. Our prayer time together is before meals...and that seems to be it right now. We use to pray together at night just before bed, but our schedules are so off now that I usually fall asleep way before Travis. In the morning we're usually focused on getting Travis ready for work and we're trying to wake up for the day. Then we throw Evan into the mix and he requires our constant attention. Life changes, but our God never lets go. He continues to mold us as a couple and seeks our attention together and individually. We prayed together last night before bed. We chose one thing we wanted to pray about and we focused on that as we both bowed our heads. Praying together keeps us vulnerable. What a freeing feeling it is to share and trust as we confess and pray together. So we have made a commitment to work on praying together, to keep it a priority in our marriage. Please pray for us as we seek this goal. We encourage you to pray together as a couple, and see what our Lord has to say as you do.

FAN-TASTIC

2008-06-24T12:40:00.005-05:00

A word used very often by my grandpa Les. It's not just the word that makes us smile, it's the way he says it...with so much enthusiasm. Grandpa and Grandma just came up from Missouri on Friday so we were able to spend an evening with them which is always a blessing. God has had his hand over them by healing them the past few months. I'm so glad there time here on earth isn't over yet-as selfish as that may be. We love them so much, they are just, well...FAN-TASTIC!

Evan & Great Grandpa Les

Evan & Great Grandma Arlene

Reading fun.

2008-06-24T10:47:00.001-05:00

Reading fun., originally uploaded by Lucas Joyful Pics.

Just sitting and reading...All by myself! I love to look at my books. My favorites are Fuzzy Bee, ABC, and Peekaboo!

Lil' Monstah

2008-06-16T16:35:00.002-05:00

For your viewing pleasure. We thought we would share a lil' clip of what we see everyday. Evan "Lil' Monstah" Lucas enjoying his food. Ciao!

C.S. Lewis quote of the day.

2008-06-05T16:31:00.001-05:00

Every uncorrected error and unrepented sin is, in its own right,
a fountain of fresh error and fresh sin flowing on to the end of time.

A fountain of fresh error. Wow this doesn't sound very refreshing, but why do I find myself slurping up more often than not? May we praise our God who keeps no record of wrongs. May I humble myself to admitting my sins to others, my God, and myself.

Confession

2008-06-04T15:45:00.003-05:00

I am LAZY. That is the only word I can think of to describe how I feel. It's a terrible feeling, though I admit it. I'm tired of my house not being organized. Yet each day passes and I haven't done anything to help it. I'm trying to watch less TV as it seems to just suck me into the couch like a vacuum. (the Browns were right, the Greyhound has a magnet that holds you on the cushion) I'm not meeting with my creator everyday. He is in my thoughts, but our conversations are not current. I'm not reaching out to meet people. And we all know if you wait for someone to talk to you it will never happen. I feel like something is holding me back and I haven't figured out what it is. But yet I do know what it is, it myself, my own laziness. I have dreams and desires of what I want to be and do, yet I haven't started walking towards them. So, today is the day that change. I know it may be slow but I think I've been looking at all the Big things and too far ahead and I need to focus on the NOW things. The small stuff, it really does matter and makes a difference. I seem to have a constant dialogue in my head and I need to start getting it out. Hence this blog. I know if I get it out it will be a way to push myself onward. Blogging will become a more regular thing.

For the Milk-truck Mamas

2008-05-28T09:53:00.002-05:00

The Milk-truck. Yes that is what my father-in-law calls me, especially when Evan is reaching for me ready to eat! I don't mind it makes me laugh every time because it truly is what I am. There will be a day when I no longer am known as a milk-truck-I'm not ready for that yet.

I came across this website which has answered many of my questions about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Essentials Becky Flora-Waterman is a certified lactation consultant. She's written many articles answering questions and sharing tips she's learned from her own experience. It's been helpful to me and hopefully will be to you.

Four generations

2008-05-07T11:36:00.001-05:00

4 generations of Lucas men
Originally uploaded by Lucas Joyful Pics

Here stand four generations of Lucas men: Great Grandpa Ned, Grandpa Steve, TravDaddy, and Evan Alan. All who woke up in the wee hours of the morning to hunt down Mr.Tom Turkey. Evan of course stayed behind with Mama and cheered them on by wearing his own camo outfit. How lucky we are to have all four generations alive and well and enjoying the pastime of Turkeys. We love every moment we get to spend down at the farm.

Carrier

2008-05-01T16:00:00.003-05:00

We're addicted to Carrier! It has been a highlight of our evenings this past week. And I just discovered that tonight is the last night it's on :( Carrier is a documentary of what life is like aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. If you get a chance this evening from 9-11pm watch PBS. It has been so interesting and has given us even more respect for what the Navy and US Military do for our country. It is so great to learn new things...PBS is one of our favorite ways to do that now.

they think we're older...

2008-04-29T14:59:00.003-05:00

Yesterday Travis was talking with our neighbor Jason. He and his wife have a lil' boy and a lil' girl. Jason prodded Trav about how old we were so Travis told him we both were 27. Jason was surprised at that answer saying they thought we were older. Jason is 26, his wife Lindsay is 29, and we thought they were older. But this brings us back to the point of THEY THOUGHT WE WERE OLDER! I don't think I've ever met anyone who thought we were older than we are. Now we're trying to figure out what we're doing that makes us look older. Do I need to color my hair again? Is Travis hunting too much? Travis and I were shocked and laughed it off...but again...they think we're older. Aye-yi-yi.

SIX MONTHS

2008-04-29T14:20:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it? Evan is 6 months old! We visited our new doctor yesterday for his wellness appointment. We found out that our lil' man is in the 98% overall for his age. He is 27 1/4 inches long (76%). He weighs 16.2 pounds (24%); and his head is 45 1/4 cm around (85%). That said he is long and strong just like his Daddy.
Dr. Davey was wonderful and immediately made friends with Evan. We are starting to eat cereal and He gave us a meal plan to start working on. He thinks that Evan is just Lactose intolerant and suggested that I start bringing back whey, casein, and soy into my diet. If Evan tolerates those we can play around with slowly bringing back dairy-YAY. Dr. Davey even thought Evan might grow out of it by his 9 month appointment. That would just be awesome!
We were all smiles until nurse Judy started with the shots! Evan was cooing and smiling and then all of a sudden got a very serious look on his face and the seriousness turned into a painful cry. My poor baby! But soon he was back to smiling. He has 4 marks where the needles went it, 2 which have bruises. He's also ran a low grade fever and was very lovey this morning-I love that.

So our little boy is Six months old. He is constantly smiling. Rolling over. Pushing himself up when he's on his tummy. Reaching for toys. Eating cereal. He is a lean machine. Mama and Daddy love you so much Evan. You are our precious gift from Jesus!

Sweetest Boy

2008-04-16T15:28:00.002-05:00

Hello world
Originally uploaded by Lucas Joyful Pics

Evan. My sweet love. You are such a joy. You are funny and oh so curious. You love your blue bird, and your monkey George. You have the greatest smile. I love how when you wake up you just lay in your crib and look at your hands and feet. You coo at your monkey George(thanks Brennan) and have started to reach up to pull down your music lamb (thanks Carolynne) You squeal and kick your feet when you're really excited. You've started to push out your lips and tongue when you're sad and upset. You love your Daddy, but always want your Mama. (Mama loves this) Please keep learning and discovering. Keep laughing and smiling. Keep being the blessing you are.

rockin 'n' ROLLIN

2008-04-14T13:10:00.002-05:00

We're rockin 'n' ROLLIN now. Evan has reached another milestone. He's an expert with the amazing-roll over trick-which means Mama & Daddy need to baby-proof even more. Each new stage Evan reaches is so exciting. We are very blessed to have such a wonderful son who fills us with so much joy.

it's What out...

2008-04-11T08:41:00.003-05:00

Yah...it's SNOWING...in April.

We woke up this morning to not only rain, but snow too. I guess that's Nebraska weather for you-always changing. We pray this is the last snowfall for a while so we can get to planning and planting our garden. We're reading about how to take care of our yard and how to plant a garden; and we're eager to start.

Evan and I are off to Lincoln so Mama can get a haircut.