State of Our Union

Tonight we recognize the annual event where the President of these United States speaks to the nation about the situation of our country, otherwise known as the state of the union address. The purpose of the speech is to inform the citizens of how things have been going thus far and to discuss any issues that may need to be resolved, in an attempt to bring the people of the country together to have one vision to move forward and conquer those issues.

Like the discourse we receive from our commander in chief, this is a great opportunity for married couples to get together and have their own state of your union, the marriage union that is. All too often I think couples get busy while going about their various daily tasks that they forget to talk with their spouse about any issues or concerns that need to be addressed. I say let’s take this time each year, with the speech from our president as a reminder, to address our spouses about the many victories in your marriage relationship and move forward together with a united vision for the future together.

Taste of Summer

Our summer here in the Seattle area is slow in coming, so to help jump start things, I decided to make some delicious summertime recipe favorites.

Each season has it's distinct flavors and foods that go with it and with summer comes BBQ'ed chicken burgers fresh off the grill with some fresh sauces and produce. This week we tried the chicken burger with pesto mayonnaise. And it is just as easy as it sounds to make. Grill your chicken however you like it and then spread over your sandwich buns the pesto mayo which is 1 part basil pesto to 3 parts mayo. It is so yummy and it's full of flavor!

With Independence day fast approaching, I am trying to figure out which dessert to bring to our church service in the park/fellowship picnic. Martha's Everyday Food sent me an e-mail this week with what looks like an amazing recipe: 'Smore cookies! Who can pass that up? But what could be more American than an apple pie cookie ice cream sandwich? Am I making you hungry yet? If I can't decide on one I might just have to make both, which wouldn't be so bad I guess ;)

Weekend Update: 3-day Weekend Edition

That extra day off sure gave me a LOT more time to devote to some fun stuff that I don't usually have the time to do. That means craft time, of course!


My best girlfriend and brother & sister in law will be graduating in a few short weeks, so with my extra day off I made some very cute cards for them, if I do say so myself.

I've also started on baby gifts for my friend, Iris. I have so many ideas and can't seem to choose one so I will give a preview of all my creations when I get them all done. You never know what she'll need so in the spirit of the boy scouts, I will 'be prepared' with a gift for all her baby needs!

Early Monday morning, my Mom and my Aunt and I went to a local cemetery that is the resting place for some 5,000+ U.S. soldiers spanning from WWI to Vietnam and Iraq. We helped put a flag at each of the headstones in remembrance of their service and sacrifice to our country. What a joy to be able to spend that time with my family reflecting on what the generations before us have done to ensure our freedoms; that's what that day is all about. All in all, it was a wonderful weekend!

Service & Sacrifice

In honor of Memorial Day, let us remember the service and sacrifice of the men and women in the U.S. military who not only served but laid down their lives so we can live. We live in the greatest country ever, and we have a duty to live up to and preserve this nation for our children.

Help us also remember the service and sacrifice of the One who served and died for us, that we might live.