just keep swimming (and running and biking)

well, april 2011 has set a new record for the craziest month of my life. it's true that time flies faster the older you get, but we're talking usain bolt speed this month. march comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, and april just sprints right past you. needless to say, i've been slacking on the posts recently. it's hard to live life and remember to set aside time to write about it too. but i find that i need that time. i'm a verbal processor, and words are important to me. to sum it all up, joboffersandplayingmomwhileparentsareinaustraliaandhousesittingandplanningthesummerandcrazyworkseasonandcomplicationwiththeapartmentandcatchingupwitholdfriendsandtryingtogetmoreconnectedinthecommunityhereandthathardlysaysanythingatallbuthatsthebasicjistofthingsso anyway, to keep up with the fast-paced theme of this month, josh did a sprint triathlon this weekend (in 38 degree weather with a cold and sleep deprivation because that's what happens in times like these). he did a great job anyway so here are some photos:

while we're on the subject of races and athleticism, these are from a half marathon in salem this past fall--fun course (so i hear, but didn't get to experience this time around).

churning up the sea

this is the japan i know, the japan i saw just a few months ago. praise God that this area and it's people were not affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami. but families, friends, and loved ones in other areas likely were.

the day after the destruction occurred in japan, i was reading through isaiah 51 as part of my study. i came across verse 15: "FOR I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD, WHO CHURNS UP THE SEA SO THAT ITS WAVES ROAR--THE LORD ALMIGHTY IS HIS NAME." so often throughout the book of isaiah God identifies himself to his people as their creator--the ones who put the stars in their place and laid the heavens out like a blanket over the earth. he is the one who churns and calms the seas, and he is ultimately the one who knows his reasons why. he is the Lord almighty.

keep praying for japan.

healthy eats : baked oatmeal

some days i really enjoy cooking. i like knowing what goes into my food and where it comes from. i also like to experiment with new recipes and revamp old ones. so here's an old baked oatmeal recipe revamped and health-ified. it's great for warming your soul in the cold months, and providing some nutrients while you're hibernating.

b a k e d o a t m e a l

3 c. quick-cooking oats (old wessex ltd. makes whole grain, high fiber quick-cooking oats and 5-grain cereal)
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 c. fat-free milk (or soy milk)
1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp. vegetable oil

a combination of any of the following fruits:
3/4 c. chopped peeled tart apple, 1/2 c. blueberries, 1/2 c. cranberries, 1/2 c. peaches, 1/2 c. raspberries or blackberries

in a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. combine the eggs, milk, and apple sauce; and add to the dry ingredients. stir in your fruit combination (the more fruit the better, so get creative!). pour into an 8-in. square baking dish coated with cooking spray. bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. serve warm with milk.

l . o . v . e .

. ..and the not-so-little-anymore things

it's the little things.

[seeds are sprouting!]

[cilantro]

[parsley]

happy (late) love day!