Spam Snacks

The men need to take something to their bible study tonight...what could be better than Spam snacks? If you had asked me what Spam was pre-marriage, I'm fairly sure I had never heard of it. It has grown on me over the years.

Spam Sushi, fun to make with kids.

Soak rice for several hours prior to cooking. After it's cooked, mix in rice vinegar.

In a separate bowl, mix oyster sauce, soy sauce and sugar. About 1 cup each. Stir until dissolved. Slice your Spam and cut into sections and marinate in the above sauce about 5-10 minutes. Then, with a little oil, fry on the cooktop until done (you can tell, will look crispy).

Cut seaweed into strips. We just made little rice squares, added Spam and wrapped with seaweed. I might invest in a sushi wrapper soon.

Yum.

The Ranch: Where Boys Become Men

We said more good-byes today. While we knew our old sheep Job was probably not going to see the year end, we were not ready for his sudden demise. Yesterday seemed fairly normal - regular chores in the morning and evening. We didn't hear anything or sense any distress from the animals. We even hosted friends, so people were out and about in the back. But sometime in the afternoon, there was a coyote attack. We didn't determine that until this morning.

I took the girls to their Keeper of the Home session along with mascot Joe at 6:30pm. With the majority gone, Paul and the boys had the opportunity to fish. In the twilight they spotted Job floating in the pond. He was gone. We almost lost a goat to the pond in May; I suppose this is why these animals are referred to as the "stupid" ones. They like to step out into the grasses and reeds where it "looks greener" literally and they lose their balance and get over on their sides. Without a steady ground they are unable to right themselves and are vunerable. Hannah and Naomi spotted the goat earlier in the summer and we were able to rescue her - basically pull her up enough for her to get her footing and tear out of there! But with Job, we assumed the poor old man just couldn't right himself in time.

This morning provided different answers. Josh and I took the boat while Paul and Jon took the land. While paddling out to pull Job out we spotted another pond victim! One of the white ladies (we call the three white sheep who always stick together the "white ladies") was on her side and tangled. With the help of the four of us we got her up and out - but there was blood and wounds. While Paul attended to her, Josh and I went to pull out Job. That's when we realized he didn't just lose his footing. Poor Job had been attacked and killed by a coyote(s). The markings were undeniable. We've come to recognize the work of various villians now living out here. What parts the racoons take versus the fox or the coyote. Even a cat will leave a unique way of dissection.

We lost Tina, our faithful Alpaca, to old age last year. It's hard to lose her best friend Job. Death comes on the farm more than I'd care to meet it. It's difficult to lose an animal. It's man-making to have to put one down. We worked on the white lady all morning. I never thought I'd be tending to sheep wounds. At first, it appeared that she was responding fairly well given the shock of her attack and pond experience. As the day went on, we had to make the tough call. She was unable to move her back legs and it appeared that her neck was broken. It was time. My boys have become men out here on the Ranch. In the past three years I've seen them rise up to do the hard things Ranch-life demands. They have buried many an animal, nursed many an animal, and now put one down (and not for eating - there is a difference). I'm thankful for young men who are learning the value of life and the mercy of death.

Still, it's been a hard day. I suppose the girls are learning life lessons, as well - they just aren't present during the difficult parts. Now, sons, it's time to kill a coyote.

(Don't worry, no one 10 and under is allowed out back without an adult.)

Glacier Point

Ok, here's a little more positive of a post! I could write a book on the disappointments of youth ministry - but there isn't anything wrong with fun times with friends. Sadly, all too many youth events end there. No Gospel, no spiritual discussions, etc.

Anyway, Sarah and Josh did enjoy time with friends and admiring God's creation on last week's hike up to Glacier Point. I thought Josh would want to go, but when Sarah mentioned going on a 10 mile hike I knew her friends must be going! :)  Looks like it's the girls who take pictures, too.

Pre-hike photo! Big smiles!

Group is down to three now. . .

Becca, Jacoby and Sarah in Yosemite National Park

Sibs. Good to see they enjoy each other. Josh said he "waited two hours" for the group to all get to the top:).

Another break?

According to Sarah "last hike ever!"

Psalm 73

I woke this morning to a two year old prying my eyelids open....it's been a long week. Not the way I usually like to wake up. A long week for a hubby always equates to a longer week for his wife. Work Monday and a meeting until after 10pm. Tuesday, work and bible study and as often as it - catching up with kids until after 11pm. Today, more of the same with another late evening. It builds a foothold for discouragment to stand on.

It's been one discouragment after another this morning. Emails. VBS issues. Ministry concerns. Seeing how kids promote themselves on instagram - sweet Christian girls toting wine glasses and modeling the world; kids absorbed with self and worldliness; immodesty abounds. My own kids drawn to one youth event after another, like moths to flame. Ministries built on events and programs rather than the Word. Christian liberties and freedoms at the expense of deep thinking and spiritual disciplines. More discussion on what movies are out there than on the return of Christ. . . Families sold out to the sports god. Families sold out to the education god.

This is not the world I'm watching - it's the Church. The holy, blameless Bride.

Perhaps it's because I'm reading a book on Lady Jane Grey. Queen of England for only 9 days, a puppet in the hands of politicians, martyred at 16 - all according to God's Divine Sovereign rule. She died proclaiming her faith. Where are these 16 year olds?

It leaves me with only one cry, "Lord, sanctify Your Church and start with me!"

Like Asaph, I walk a slippery slope when looking outward and inward. Our hope is in Who is upward. "Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and portion forever." There is nothing new under the sun. We continue to fight the fight by faith and with grace through the Spirit. Strength just for today. Grace for the now. Love abounding. For the glory of the Bridegroom.

Instablog!

Ok, I suppose this is one of the reasons people have instagram. . .

Too cute. Babies are great at getting big kids to sleep:).

Bekah's Birthday

June 14th marked Bekah's 11th birthday. As the fourth child, she's known the world doesn't revolve around her and she has a pleasant, easy-going personality that makes it fun to do things for her. Birthday #11 was no different. Sarah and Joshua had an opportunity to hike with the high school group up to Glacier Point from Thursday to Friday night and Bekah was very willing to put her special morning off until Saturday. Hopefully, it felt like two days of birthday for this special girlie!

Friday morning she and Hannah were up early and ready for the summer girls' book study (AW Pink's Attributes of God) at Starbucks. After a good study and a birthday drink, it was home to wait for her friend, Bekah, to arrive for the day. The two Bekahs are easy to have - they enjoy games, sports, animals, puzzles, and entertain each other well. The other Bekah is a youngest  but doesn't act in a typical youngest manner (where the world should revolve around them!) - but she does enjoy all the antics of all the other kiddos and everyone has a great time. The two of them got to go out for a special dinner date and enjoy "big kid" time.

Bekah & Bekah

Hotdogs and cheesy fries! Of course, Bek's favorite - Dr. Pepper

Out to dinner at Red Robin

Bekah's an easy girl in the area of gifts, as well. As long is the present has to do with sports, games, coffee or gum! This last year she saw a disco ball somewhere and really wanted one...a favorite of Miriam and Joey. Bekah seems to make life about others. She is quick to share and very loving and giving. A true Friday's child, I suppose. It was 11 years ago, on a Friday, when she was born around 7am in the morning.

We still lived close to St. Agnes at the time. I don't like to get to the hospital too early - and I remember trying to stall going in even in the parking lot! I don't remember a lot of details so it wasn't a long or difficult delievery. My mom was present at this one and only grandchild's birth (of all her grandkids). I'd like to say it was special for me, but it was more stressful. (Adding to the fact that Bekah's due date was June 7th and my mom had been anxiously waiting for her arrival before having to leave for SC.) Being from a generation where they numb you with a saddleblock, keep the husband in the waiting room and whisk the baby off to the nursery. . .it was not the nurturing childbirth one might expect. I do remember she told me I was being grumpy - only something a woman who had never experienced pain of childbirth would say to a daughter getting ready to push! Oh well, I think she felt it was special and it has created a unique bond between grandmother and granddaughter:).

Bekah with her Gray Gray in March, 2013

We weren't at the hospital too long before I needed to push. I also remember testing positive for Beta Strep with Bek had having to have a heplock in my hand and not being very thrilled about it. I don't think the antibiotics had much time to to their job....I remember Dr. Borgstadt came in before heading to the office and didn't have time to change. He was still putting on his gloves, the bed was still intact - and there came Bekah! Into the world with a TON of dark hair that stood straight up. Her hair continued to stand up until almost 9 months when it got too heavy and flopped over. Even at age two she looked interesting - a small child with so much long, thick hair. Thankfully, she has grown into it at last!

Rebekah Ruth Micu at 9 months

Rebekah turning 2!

I was so thrilled to have a baby girl. After two boys I was wondering if Sarah would ever get a sister. Growing up without a sister, it was important to me that Sarah have one. I told Paul I would keep on having kids until we got another girl.... of course, I kept on having more and more sisters for Sarah so I suppose it was an empty threat!

Sarah's first sister! Five years apart.

Rebekah with little sister, Hannah, Easter 2005 when Hannah was close to 9 months. Unlike big sis, Hannah did not have much hair!

Saturday morning we were able to celebrate with the traditional breakfast in bed. All lined up carrying in the birthday breakfast request and assorted packages. It's become a tradition we love.

Getting ready!

Hold it steady! Sporting a new soccer jersy from Scotland.

Mystery gift! It arrived without a name addressed to the birthday girl...although Bek said she played it a lot with the Kampfes. . .

An interesting gift from her "Twin." We think it might be his autobiography! :)

Look at little Hani getting down! All enjoy the disco ball, except maybe Naomi - looks like Joey has her pinned to the floor!

New tiger threads!

Yippee! New shoes!!

Of course, the day isn't complete without a special dessert. Forget cake and ice cream! Strawberry pizza is where it's at!

We will remember Bekah at this age always wearing the above t-shirt!

Disabled

Disabled. That's what my phone says. When someone says "disabled" that's not the image that comes to mind. Interestingly though, I feel disabled. Texts and calls keep appearing on the screen - all out of my reach. I'm unable to communicate my stupidity at self-disabling my phone. Amazing. I'm not quite sure how I managed it.

I like to changed passcode locks when the kids start knowing them/figuring them out. My phone went missing this morning and I realized it was time for a change. It has been a change! I've managed to disable it all day now. It's a good reminder that a phone is for convienence - mine. It's not to run our lives, or ruin them.

I often have conversations with people about how my kids seem to always want to check my phone, their ipad, instagram, etc., and then I realize - that's not just reality, but normalcy. Almost everywhere I look, younger generation or older, folks all have their noses in their smart phones. People come to visit and they have to check their phones constantly. I'll be setting up lunch, only for the guest to "have to text or answer this call." This is more an observation than a judgment. But perhaps a caution, as well. We used to be able to go out, talk, then return home and check our messages. Yes, inconvienent at times when I wanted my hubby to pick up milk on the way home! However, there are times I look around our living room when family and friends are here and everyone is on their own device! I think I'll have a phone drop-off bucket for guests to deposit their cells upon arrival and can pick up on their way out. .. . hmmm.

Just my musings for today as I'm disabled anyway.

Home Hot Home

Friday was a long day. Heading to the airport really Thursday evening PST (9:30pm) and arriving in Fresno at 7pm Friday evening. A few naps here and there sustained us and after an exciting arrival home - the crew was all on the steps to greet us - we headed to bed!

It was great to see the kids and be home. It was not great to feel the heat. All the times in England and Scotland when I felt cold I kept telling myself to enjoy it - the Fresno heat would be a wake up call to summer. Thankfully, it has gone from 108 to 88. Whew.

I am hoping to slowly add in photos now. The weekend was full with Paul performing a wedding and catching up around the place. The kids kept journals while we were gone, so we are listening to all the tales that unfolded during the two weeks apart.

We came home to five new kittens and three new puppies.... so lots of excitement.

Joey and Miriam have spent the last couple days mostly on my lap or being held. Jael has needed extra cuddles too. I'm thankful we were all able to be together again. There are as many horrible news events overseas as there are here and I'm thankful God has given us another day together.

Perhaps more thoughts on things later. . .time to get breakfast started:).

Perth on to St. Andrews

This morning we said "good bye" to our home  since Saturday and headed to Perth. The highlands were beautiful and we enjoyed such lovely weather. We could easily stay another week - we missed so much. We would have loved to have made it to Ayshire district, seen an island or two (Iona was the one we originally planned), Isle of Skye and traveled the coast down to Aberdeen. As it was, our goal was the Reformation Trail and that we did! So, the other sites will have to wait for a later trip.

Perth was a walled city, allowing the Scots protection from the French. We toured St. John's Kirk where John Knox preached, rallying the reformers. The high wall also protected the reformers from the Queen Regent. Interestingly, the volunteers at St. John's were a little more of the opinion that John Knox was good for Scotland. We have found most people, especially women, to be fairly negative and others neutral. The three started that when, but when pressed by Paul felt he was more an "instrument for good than ill."

The drive to St. Andrews was beautiful. The coast of Scotland is really gorgeous. Despite the sunshine, it was still chilly due to the strong breeze. St. Andrews may be my favorite place yet, although it's hard to pick just one. The Reformation history is strong and at long last not portrayed as much from some liberal agenda. The Castle was Knox heard his call, preached/taught, endured the Bottle Dungeon and was then taken as a slave for the French boats  is there. In front of the Castle you see the spot where George Wishart was martyred. If you like fiction, I highly recommend the book by Douglas Bond which gives lots of details on the history.

From there it's a short walk to the Cathedral. The ruins are beautiful but it easy to see why the mobs joined the reformers to bring down the indulgent wealth of the Catholic Church as the men were evil, immoral and not helping those they took vows to minister to, the poor. Unfortunately, the plagues give the wrong impression the the Cathedral was destroyed by the Reformers. They did attack and destroy idols inside the Cathedral but the actual building had already undergone much repair during various battles. Even the steeple was destroyed winds while being built and was never redone.  In the background is the first golf course sprawled along the coast. It is all really something to see.

In St. Andrews, we spent time at Trinity Church, where Knox also preached/pastored. This is where the fateful sermon on idols was preached.After which the priest attempted to administer mass, a young lad spoke out against the rite and the priest slapped him.... The "rascal mob" went a bit wild, casting down all idols and rushing to the monasteries and destroying idols. It was then that much of the interior of the Cathedral was destroyed and the priests spoils given to the poor.

 Touring St. Andrews University a school celebrating 600 years! Amazing. In front of the Chapel you see the marking of where Patrick Hamilton was martyred for his beliefs - the first martyr of the Reformation. St. Salvator houses John Knox's pulpit. There is some controversy whether it is the actual one.The older part is attached to wood that does look less aged - perhaps 1700- early 1800s. I choose to believe that the old broken one whose indeed the pulpit where Scotland's lead Reformer thundered his fiery messages.

I feel I am missing stuff, but when home and inserting the photos will no doubt add to the saga! We wanted to get to Edinburgh before 5pm because we hoped to visit Banner of Truth Trust there. Ian Murray was not available:),but the editor was extremely gracious in giving us much historical information and showing us around. Begun in London in 1970s, there is now an office in PA where most of the books we order come through. The pictures the Edinburgh office housed were amazing - an original of Spurgeon among others.

We stayed too long... so after a late and last night dinner at the White Lady Pub (appropriate!) it was on to cram every thing into our small carry-ons (yes, we tried to travel light) for a next morning departure at 7am.

Which brings me fairly up to date.The flight from Edinburgh was nice, similar to Fresno to San Diego. The airplane was larger though. We sat by Muhammad  from Qartar. Landing in London we'll killing  the time drinking Starbucks, checking emails (missed wifi over here) and Paul is chatting with some gals from Kingsburg who a big wrestlers....


My wifi is almost up - so later!

The Trossachs

Tuesday was spent locally in Aberfoyle. It's a quaint little town that reminded me of Estes up in the Rocky Mountains. A town for tourists. Pretty flowers in planters lined the streets in front of  little shops filled with gifts, Scottish wool, foods, etc.

Sandy with Bobby, the Scottish Terrier. The temps hit 70 today and this little guy was really struggling! Guess they like the cold weather. . .

We "rambled" around, as they would say here. Took a ramble along the river and learned  about various breeds of sheep at the Scottish Wool Center. We even caught a demonstration by a border collie whose name slips my mind! He reminded me of Layla, who I've never met, but hear stories about from  my brother.

The Trossachs and all the Lochs (lakes) in the area are in a region of National Parks. It would be similar to spending time in Yosemite, perhaps. We've enjoyed much walking (Paul isn't too keen on the driving bit here) or as they would say here -  rambling and blethering. :) Basically walking around and talking a bunch!

Across from the timeshare. . .

Today we rambled along Loch Ard and stopped to blether at the Wee Blether Tea House. The men enjoyed meals (Hamburger and haggis, guess who ordered what) while Sandy and I went for the fresh scones, cream and jam. Yum.

Today has been a day of rambling, blethering, reading, eating and then repeat! We are all lost in our John Knox books or Martyn Lloyd-Jones - all inspired from time spent on the island. Naps thrown in, as well. Paul and I have enjoyed the gym facilities and spa. A treat to work out!

Last night we watched the 60th anniversary coronation with Queen Elizabeth and it's always more interesting when you have just been there and are reading the history! It's interesting to watch the news from another country's perspective and the trials they are facing. Not so different in their moral decay from the USA, just less Christians or those who would claim to be. Very little religion overall. A big deal right now is whether Great Britain should continue to be part of the European Union. The news does tend to cover US big news.

I find when spending any time over seas, I appreciate the US all the more! Costs are high and choices low here. Very small grocery  stores with very little fresh produce. No Cost-Co's! No refills and the soft drink cans are half the size, seriously affecting PDave. There are no trash cans or recycling bins around and therefore lots of liter. In most of the cities in England we wondered at the white spots on all the roads and sidewalks. We were told it's all varying degrees of gum decay - so gross! They are trying to get people to but their "gum and butts" in little bins now by the bus stops...LOTS of smoking here. My children would also be very disappointed here - no change on the ground! I've only found 4 coins the entire trip! If people drop their change, they pick it up.  

Time to eat and blether....

Stirling

Monday took us to the little city of Stirling. There, the Church of the Holy Rude stood near the castle.  Here the great John Knox also thundered his reforming sermons, calling the pure church to stand against the false doctrines of catholicism. Here, he preached at King James VI inauguration, or King James I as he was later crowned in England. In this church James Guthrie gave his life, so angering the powers of the land that his head would be displayed for 28 years for all to remember his outcry against idolatry. While meant to threaten others , it was martyrs such as this who continued to fan the Scottish Reformation. Reading a book on John Knox by Lloyd-Jones, he states "you simply cannot understand the history of Scotland unless you know something about the Protestant Reformation."

Also in Stirling is the William Wallace monument and the old bridge (redone in the 1800s)  where the battle for Scotland took place. Every where you turn is history! His story.... And fun to share with good friends as we continue to proclaim the "evangel of Jesus Christ" today, as it seems forgotten amongst these peoples.

Of course, there is a castle in every city - Stirling with some of the most interesting of tales with their young widowed Queen, Mary of Scots. Death, adultery, murder, fornication - John Knox death with issues not very different from our churches today.... except he spoke against the Queen herself.

More to come....

Edinburgh onward!

We pulled in to Edinburgh Friday evening. Because it stays light until 10 - 10:30pm, Paul and I decided to take a drive through the city to plan out the next day. It was strange sitting in the "driver's seat" without a steering wheel! Edinburgh is a beautiful city.

Edinburgh Castle

We woke early and drove in only to realize that the city was barely waking up because it was a Saturday! We found a local joint and enjoyed a typical breakfast of beans, boiled tomatoes, black sausage, toast, eggs, haggis, gammon, sausage and tatties. Delicious. Because it was located by a hostel we enjoyed conversations with others from many places along with a guide from the House of Usher in Edinburgh.

We became fans of site-seeing buses in London and have tried to catch them in each city. They tend to hit all the major sites and all you to "hop on/hop off" when you want. Public transit is huge here and it makes sense to use it. Even with a car, we find parking it is best (especially with inexperienced driving). Edinburgh is a gorgeous city. The day we were there was a "heat wave" of 58! The folks were all out in tank tops and shorts. . .with me sporting a beanie and sweatshirt!

The castle is the focus of the city and is built high upon the rocks. Rocks supposedly formed millions of years ago...yeah right. Anyway, it is amazing the views they had of those approaching the castle. The history is long and rich. We were excited to visit St. Giles church, where John Knox is buried. He is under parking place #23 in the parking lot. The contrasts are incredible. Huge memorials and monuments everywhere and the great Reformer of Scotland is in a lowly parking lot. At least the Scots acknowledge him, we found the Brits want to just wipe the Reformation from their history.  Sadly, at the John Knox house we found the lady in charge was either ignorant or unwilling to disperse information. She was fairly hostile and definitely not a fan of John Knox! Can you imagine having someone who hates Americans giving the tour of the White House! Strange. Was a God-forsaken isle Great Britain is.

Leaving Edinburgh we headed up to the Trossachs. Beautiful country in the heart of Scotland's National Park. It was a bit of a drive on narrow roads, but well worth it. By the time we arrived it was rainy and cool. We settled into the condo and rested. It was the most relaxing Sunday I can ever remember! After all the rush of the last week and varying sleep schedules, we didn't wake up until 10am. We enjoyed a quiet Sunday with a extra reading (we are all reading John Knox...) and long walks. Dave and Sandy celebrated 35 years of marriage in Scotland with us:). A very different day for a couple of Pastors, a director and a mom!

We had originally planned on getting up and heading to Glascow for worship service but the extra rest was needed. It also happened to be another beautiful day. Warm enough that I even found myself in shorts and a t-shirt. The locals are thanking us for bringing the California sunshine...hope it lasts! It's still only 60-65 here but the sun makes a huge difference. We enjoyed the outdoors and enjoyed some rest before heading out Monday for Stirling.

Our place for the week! Not too shabby...

Inside the unit:

Paul enjoys cooking

 The kitchen was small, but served it's purpose well. They did not have a regular fridge, but a dorm size fridge. The strange thing was that each appliance breaker had to be flipped on for use. We didn't realize this at first and wondered why the fridge wasn't cold! Thankfully, the weather was cool enough nothing spoiled. Also, no coffee pots anywhere on this island! I thought they might have one here at the timeshare, if requested, but not so. So, instant coffee it is.

The living space was nice, but the big porch was where we usually ate - the view was incredible!

Bedroom #1

Bedroom #2

More to come on the trip to Stirling!