• 1 package of thick rice noodles (made with rice flour and unbleached flour)
  • 1/4 pound slices of cooked beef
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (not too sweet like Smart Balance)
  • 3 scallions, diced
  • 1/4 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic and chili sauce
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup low sodium beef stock
  • 1/4 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (optional)

Have you ever heard this song or read this passage in your Bible?

A Time for Everything

3 There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
4     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

The Younger Years

When our children were younger my hubby and I really didn’t really go out much — you know — just the two of us. Without relatives nearby we really just clung together and embraced our new lives as a young family.

After dinner and playtime, I would get the boys ready for bed which consisted of a nice warm bath with lots of bubbles and toys. Once tucked into bed I would read a book out loud. We would say our nighttime prayers.

Mike and I would enjoy quiet time together in the late evenings.

Much of my husband’s time was spent providing for us by working, getting a master’s degrees and helping raise and enjoy our two young boys. I was busy homeschooling and taking care of the family.

Homeschooling Years

I never considered homeschooling as a job. Being a wife and a homeschooling mom was very rewarding and I loved every moment of it. Well, almost every moment.

Many people ask me if I miss those days; if I wish I were still homeschooling.

I always think of the Ecclesiastes 3. Like the seasons, times change and so do we. We are equipped to adapt very well to our times and situations. God gives us all we need to appreciate each moment. There are things I love, like and miss about our younger years, but others that I would not want to go back to. As we age, we get wiser.

The Older Years

Mike and I now enjoy our lives with older children. I am a bit of a worrywart. I sometimes get anxious when our sons are driving to and from work or school in inclement weather. I worry about college loans. The worries seem to get bigger as children grow and I often ask myself,

“What in the world was I worried about about when they were little?” :)

We are very blessed. Our sons have grown to be men who love the Lord. They are giving, concerned for others and have strong beliefs and servant’s hearts. They remember what we have taught them, and are respectful and courteous.

We are now reaping the sacrifices of our then one-income homeschooling family.

Let the Dating Begin!

When our boys were both studying at Campbell University my husband took me to Charleston, North Carolina for our anniversary. What an amazing trip that was!

One of our sons is now a college graduate working as a biologist and our other son is a sophomore in college.

Time sure flies by when you are having fun!

Don’t waste time shedding tears when your kids leave though.

They will most likely come back…at least for a little while and then you will savor the time you have left with them at home.

My husband and I often go on dates now — usually on the weekends. We love going to our favorite restaurants, museums, plays and movies. Sometimes we meet for lunch during the week. We don’t have lunch dates during the week often, but when we can. That makes them extra special.

Last weekend Mike took me to a Thai restaurant. I ordered one of my favorites — Thai Village Beef and Noodles.

Like I always do … I can’t help it…

I surveyed all of the ingredients. I was determined to recreate this Thai classic.

I am happy to report that this weekend I replicated that dish.

I used the leftover pieces of steak from my Steak with Chimchurri Sauce.

It was heavenly — like our date.

 

Here’s how I made it:

1. In a saucepan over medium high heat combine peanut butter, scallions, green peppers, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic and chili sauce, ginger and rice wine vinegar. Cook for five minutes until green pepper, is cooked.

2. In a small bowl combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1 cup of cold or room temperature beef broth. Stir into peanut mixture and cook until slightly thickened. You may add a little beef broth if you’d like.

3. Add your slices of cooked beef and heat through. I had some leftover broccoli so I added tat in as well.

4. Bring a pot of water to a boil with a teaspoon of kosher salt. Add noodles and cook according to the package directions.

5. Combine noodles, beef and sauce and toss to coat.

5. Adorn with some chopped peanuts if you would like.

Now my hubby and I can enjoy a quiet dinner with just the two of us in the peacefulness of our own home… that is unless the boys and our sweet Amanda show up unexpectedly. It’s okay. I always make extra!