Happy Birthday Tim!
Saturday marked a special day in the Neufeld house. Tim was actually home on his birthday! No more wishing a happy birthday over the phone or webcam or coming in late after a conference. Tim did not a whole lot for his birthday. He relaxed with the family and then we all went to Sal's for dinner. (The Fresno one, not the Selma original.) His "birthday cake" was actually homemade cinnamon rolls that morning. If you want the recipe, click here.

Aaaah... Sara Groves
Can I just tell you how much I love Sara Groves' songs? I just finished a two week stint with U218 playing in the car (I'll try to get a video of the boys singing Elevation sometime) so it was refreshing to return. The latest enjoyment is off her older album, "All Right Here." It's a pretty simply produced album that gives lots of vocal and lyrical enjoyment. I really like "The Other Side Of Something" produced by Charlie Peacock; the music and lyrics fit so well together. Unfortunately, Brown Bannister mellowed out "Add To The Beauty's" powerful lyrics with smooth and sappy harmonies (with the exception of You Are The Sun), but Sara seems to appreciate his expertise. Sara is still my hero! She can write in such a way that makes you fall on your face before God; her music can dissipate any pride or insecurities. "Station Wagon: Songs for Parents" is a fun little album that has some strange effects in odd places (especially for this type of album) but those can be overlooked to get to the good stuff. I also recommend the Nomad reality film featuring Sara; you will be moved.

From her website: "God has invited us, as mere human beings, to add to the beauty of his plan and creation. Unbelievable. The Kingdom of God transcends politics and policy, nationality, gender and race. It transcends the way we do church, and makes us a real live body of believers. It gives us the ability to be very different and still bear with one another. It gives us the power to extend the same kind of grace that has been extended to us, and to love each other with a love that never fails. The very real kingdom of God calls out of us, it’s inhabitants, beautiful art, creative lives, and redemptive work."

Taco Tuesday!
In the Neufeld house, every Tuesday is Taco Tuesday. We all like eating tacos, they are quick and easy to prepare, and it's one less night of the week to figure out what's for dinner. Tonight, Tim came home with fresh corn tortillas from the Vallarta supermercado right across the street from FPU. They are so fresh, they feel like suede leather. He also brought home pico de gallo, tortilla chips, and pan dulce. A few years ago in MOPS, a friend of mine gave me her yummy salsa verde recipe. Here it is: Simmer 20 tomatillos, 2 jalapenos, and 1 or 2 serranos in a little water with a tablespoon of salt. When just tender, remove from heat and let cool. Pour in a blender and add 3 green onions, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro and juice of a lime. Blend to desired consistency, season to taste.

Today I decided to start the blog. I've had this blog for a long time, but never actually used it. After Tim being away for two weeks, and having lots of 8-year-old and 4-year old conversations, I realized I've been doing the yakkity-yak thing with anyone who will listen. So, desperate for an outlet, here are my ramblings. Not only that, but after Tim got home Friday night, Michael came down with the flu, so I stayed home from church with the boys. Still home today with them and wouldn't you know Daniel threw up. Tonight we are having enchiladas verde casserole for dinner. This fun supermercado opened up recently and they sell jalapeno flavored bright green corn tortillas. So what a great pairing: green enchilada sauce with green tortillas.