Avery Posse: June 2011

Saturday, June 25, 2011

{heavy heart}

We just received news yesterday that one of Haley's classmates took his life. 12 years old. We were on our way out last night when we got the news, to celebrate our 12th anniversary. Yeah - how do you celebrate.. Haley doesn't know yet, she's been at her Auntie and Uncles house..I don't know how to tell her..I don't know how to physically get the words out of my mouth..I hate that these kids have to even grieve such a loss. 12 years old! They all just graduated 6th grade 3 days ago..!
I heard that the school counselor was at a house where several kids had congregated..she was there immediately..technically her job is done for the summer and with these graduated 6th graders..but she's here for the kids.
I'm at a loss. We're all at a loss. It has never crossed my mind that we would ever have to walk a child through this type of grief..my heart is so heavy for this mom..crushed..how does a parent bury their child..?
Please pray for Haley's heart as we tell her, and that we have the right words to say. That we are able help her and her friends find comfort..

Saturday, June 18, 2011

My Father's, Father's day {gift}

Happy Father's Day to ME!

I couldn't have received a more appropriate Father's Day gift today. Today Carlee and I received our immigration approval, which was the last approval needed from USCIS, before we could book our flights to go get our little girl, Zefina!!!

We're official!

It's taken longer than expected but it's all been in His timing. I think His timing of Father's Day weekend is perfect by the way and on purpose.

Stay tuned, we'll post again this week as we get more details about travel:)

We're coming for you Zefina!

- Chris

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

when life gives you lemons...make {lemoncello}!

I am always on the lookout for the perfect Lemoncello Martini
:: so far the Arizona Grand Resort takes the cake ::
Since its a bit hard to make the quick jaunt whenever I'm in the mood for the refreshing lemony drink I have decided to perfect the perfect Lemoncello Martini!

But first I have to perfect the {lemoncello}...

Start with {9-10 lemons}

Grate the rind from the lemons using a {fine grater} ~ be careful not to get the {bitter white pith}

Add the rind to a {mason jar}

Find the highest proof {grain alcohol} your state sells

Wa. State is 151 proof. The higher proof of alcohol the better the lemons are able to release their fragrant oils

Combine the grain alcohol & lemon rinds. Seal it up and give it a good shake
~ I know, it looks yummy already -- but wait!!
{good things come to those who wait!}

Put the mason jar in a cool dark place ~ somewhere you'll remember to try to shake it up
every day for {21 days}
:: I know super long - but it WILL be worth it, I promise ::
Shaking it daily allows the oils to release from the lemon rinds. I kept mine in our coffee cabinet - since I use that daily :)
:: I don't normally have Malaria meds in there (or Typhoid in the fridge)
just waiting to go to Africa! ::

Finally - {21 days is over}! Isn't it beautiful!


For this part you'll need:: {coffee filters} {colander} {large bowl} {simple syrup} :: simple syrup ~ 2 cups boiling water. 2 cups sugar. dissolve. cool. keep up to 2 weeks sealed in the fridge ::

Line your colander with a coffee filter, slowly pour the mixture

Doesn't it look like sunshine! It smells {incredible} too!

Drained rinds ~ you could candy them if you'd like {I haven't yet}

Add {2 cups of your chilled simple syrup}. Taste it, if you'd like it sweeter add more. Adding the simple syrup will change the color from crystal clear to a creamy bright yellow!
:: sorry about the phone pic! ::

Now you have homemade Lemoncello!
Put it into a {glass container with a sealed top} & keep it chilled in the {freezer}!

Remember this is still a STRONG liquor! So be careful not to sit too close to your patio heater if you choose to sip this traditional after dinner drink on a warm summer night! :) You just might catch on fire! Better yet ~ make a martini out of it!

My personal favorite is a Lemoncello Martini ::

Rim your martini glass with a {wedge of lime}, then dip your glass in {fine sugar}
:: regular sugar blended in the blender, just be careful you don't over blend into powdered sugar :) ::


In a {shaker} mix {ice} {2 shots lemonade} {1 shot limoncello} {1 shot citron vodka} {1tsp simple syrup} {squeeze of lemon or lime}

{YUMMY}!

This is another {yummy} Lemoncello Martini
:: sorry again for the phone pic...and my daughters lovely ketchup face on her burger! :) ::
In a {shaker} mix
{ice}
{1 shot limoncello}
{1 shot lemonade}

{1 shot raspberry lemonade}
{1/2 shot citron vodka}
{1tsp simple syrup}

Rim your glass with a {lime} & {fine sugar}
{pour}

I still have some tweaking to do...but taste testing these lemoncello concoctions isn't terrible! :)

{enjoy!}

Thursday, June 9, 2011

where i {fit}

Never did I ever imagine I would be where I am right now.

But never would I ever change this place.

It's where I am.

Where I'm suppose to be.

It's where I belong.

This is where I fit.

Just below his chin, nestled completely perfect in his chest.

Where my fingers rest on top of his hand, resting between his knuckles when were driving in his truck.

When I'm standing one stair above him, his hands are on my waist and we're eye to eye.. him leaving for work, me groggy and in my robe.

The way my legs sneak under and over his ~ no matter how I'm sleeping.

The way he looks at me.

The way his arm is in front of mine when he holds my hand. Leading me. Protecting me.

The way my hand tucks into his at night when he sleeps with his hand above his head and my arm is under my head.

The way we move around our kitchen..and when he spontaneously grabs me and dances me around in it.

The way he loves me with everything he does.

The way his entire hand fits around mine when they are cold.

The way I can feel and hear his heart beating when he pulls me in close and wraps his arms tight around me.

This is where I fit.

Perfectly. Fit.