Good morning, lovelies!
We’ve been neck deep in seriousness around here wrapping up Bible study, supporting our dear Beth however possible as she turned in Children of The Day (her new Bible study releasing this summer) for good, and then, putting her on a plane to Sydney, Australia yesterday for the Hillsong Colour Conference. So, between all of that and Women of Faith and Passion, I know we all took a deep breath of relief yesterday. Beth, Amanda and Melissa are traveling together this trip, and as far as I know, they still have a few hours of air travel left. So, join us in praying them safely there with little jet lag? Before Beth left she texted to tell me that she will try her hardest to do a blog post while she’s gone. I told her y’all would do back flips if you got to hear from her, but also to be free and have zero pressure! Some have asked if Beth has completely handed over her blog to me for good, and while I understand that y’all miss her and that tickled me so, I can promise you, she has not. She has just had her hands more than full and WILL be back very soon! So no stress to you whatsoever. I’ll do my best to keep y’all informed and entertained until she returns! But you can take a deep breath and know that all is so well.
Anyway, it’s been a while since I’ve done an iPhone dump, so I thought in honor of Spring Break approaching (or maybe some of you are ON Spring Break) I’d drop a few of my random iPhone pictures on here just for fun. Note: There is no rhyme or reason to these, so don’t read into anything! Laughing.
I don’t know how any of you feel about Brussells Sprouts, but I happen to be a big fan. For me, any meal that includes the brussells is a win. Once I learned how to cook them the right way, I was smitten. So, because I rarely talk cooking with you fine ladies, I’m gonna be brave and post my very simple recipe in case you’re looking for a yum-o veggie dish. This is dedicated to all you rookie chefs, like myself.
Instructions:
1) Cut each sprout in half.
2) Place on baking pan (if you cover that pan with foil before baking them, you eliminate the step of actually having the wash the dish. You’re welcome.)
3) Drizzle the sprouts with olive oil and then sprinkle with salt & pepper.
4) Bake at 375 degrees for seven minutes on one side, while they’re still in the oven flip them over using a spatula, then cook on the other side for another seven mintures or until they’re slighty browned.
5) Enjoy!
I came across this lovely sun flare on a walk a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful day.
I know I’ve introduced you to my love, Ellie. She is my best friend’s little girl, and well, I’m smitten. This was a few weeks ago at lunch when we were doing everything we could to entertain her before we were done eating. She slays me.
This was one Tuesday night before Bible study, Nancy’s daughter Sara was finishing her dinner so we took it as a chance to snap a photo. Sara is loved around LPM!
Watching the sunrise is one of the benefits of having to be at church super early on Sundays when I serve.
One day a couple of weeks ago all of those Art History classes I took in school paid off when I took a visit to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. For once in my life, though I appreciate art, I was captivated by it.
For those of you who live in Texas, you know you’re looking at a Texas staple, the one and only Whataburger. Until now, I’ve grown up in Texas without ordering an actual burger from Whataburger. What can I say, I’m a chicken finger and gravy kind of girl. Since this news sent people swirling, I ordered myself a burger one late evening for dinner and documented the blessed event. Is it safe to admit here that it was okay? Laughing.
I recently moved and as you now know my love of sunsets, this was the last sunset outside my balcony before completely evacuating. It was a gift.
The next morning, this was the cloud structure. I had never seen clouds in the shape of a rainbow until that moment.
On one of our “wintry weather” days in January, I realized that my lunch resembled that of a five-year-old. Impressed?
On that same chilly day when a cup of ice nearly shut the entire city of Houston down, my family from Colorado texted us this picture of their backyard. Yeah, that’s not Houston. If only.
I happened to be the last one left in the apartment. I immediately inserted myself into the very last episode of “Friends” as I bid farewell to my home of three and a half years. Except for my friends weren’t there. Wah, wah.
Anybody have a good green smoothie recipe they’re dying to share? I’ll receive it! I’m on a kick right now!
Right before we left Tuesday evening, our staff snapped a quick picture before heading out. Our dear friend, Mark, who is WORKER EXTRAORDINAIRE popped in there with us so very confidently. We love him so much. Such a servant.
This is the part of the post where I talk about the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Because I’m feeling very wordy and passionate today, this might be the unabridged version. If perhaps you’re weary of my randomness, you might choose to bow out quietly right now. If not, well, here goes ALL MY WORDS on the Houston Rodeo.
Meet my friend Leslie. This is Leslie enjoying a Fried Snickers at the carnival. Behind her you can see a tiny glimpse of all things fried you can eat at the rodeo. For instance, a fried twinkie, or maybe you’re more into fried cheese cake? How about fried nutella, or fried oreos? Take your pick. The world is yours.
Welcome to the petting zoo at the livestock show. Also known as Farm Animal Palooza.
Enter: Lindsee. Note: I don’t do well in petting zoos. Is that obvious? And please take note of the goat behind me trying to fish for food.
Warming up. (Notice my hand isn’t actually TOUCHING the sheep.)
Ahhhh. My new BFF. I MEAN LOOK AT ME SITTING (SQUATTING) WITH THE FARM ANIMALS. Leslie + Lindsee + A sheep and a Pigmy Goat = Best friends forever.
Can we talk about the pregnant Pot Bellied Pig? Do you feel sorry for her? Because I do. She needs to be laying in a corner preparing to give birth. THAT LOOKS PAINFUL. Poor mama.
And here is the baby kangaroo in a mock pouch. I honestly thought it was too cute for words.
Meet my new obsession, the pigmy goat! Have y’all heard of such a thing? Oh my word I wanted to take him home and put him in my pocket.
K-Mac and the pigmy.
And lastly, the Houston Rodeo. Before the concert starts later in the evening, the bull riding, muttin’ busting, horse races and all things exciting take place. Honestly, in March, there’s no place like the Houston Rodeo. It’s the best!
It’s been a year of firsts for yours truly. I went to my first Houston Rocket’s game on Friday night and can SOMEBODY TELL ME WHY I’VE WAITED SO LONG TO GO? It was such a blast! And we won!
Well, folks. You’ve endured the longest, most random post ever. You’re the best.
If you don’t mind, be thinking and praying for Beth and her girls while they’re Down Under! I’ll keep y’all as updated as possible. Much love!
green smoothie recipe:
2 handfuls of spinach
1.5 c. almond milk
as many COOKED broccoli florets as you’d like–like 1/2 c.
4-6 baby carrots, or 1 regular broken into pieces
1/2 to 1 frozen banana
2-3 pitted dates
2 T roasted, salted almonds
blend on HIGH, baby, until all is well combined and smooth. turn to blending level to 1 and add 2 T cocoa and then turn up to 3 to incorporate. turn off blender and taste for desired sweetness. add some honey if not sweet enough, or more banana. if it’s too thick, add more milk.
you can even sneak in cut up red and yellow and orange bell pepper into this–the cocoa and the dates and the banana really help mask all those veggies!
enjoy!
Dear Lindsee,
I am sorry comments aren’t made and that it is not more appreciated for all you do to keep the blog going when Beth is so busy. I don’t want to step on any toes.
I want to thank you for taking the time to do it. The Lord sees your hard work and all of your efforts. You are coming into your own with the plan He has for your life.
Keep up the good work!
Did you know you could get chicken burritos at Whataburger? Well, we could in Corpus anyway. They were “off menu.” Made me feel like an insider whenever I ordered one!
I didn’t! But now I am curious and will see. Fun facts!
Thanks for the update on Siesta Mama Beth, Lindsee. The pics were fun:). I love the pic of the rainbow clouds:) Blessings to you all too at LPM and to the Siestas:)
Hey Lindsee! Awesome phone dump, as usual. You are definitely entertaining. My favorite deep fried item at the “fair” is DEEP FRIED CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH. I discovered it two years ago, so I’ve only had it twice. I “save up” my calories so that I can get one order each summer. LOL. It is to die for. (But you have to eat it hot — don’t wait til you get home…)
Oh yes, the cookie dough! In fact, my friend Leslie texted me last night because THAT’S what she ate. Said it was better than the fried snickers! I *MIGHT* have to give it a try.
Um, that poor guinea pig…it looks as if her hind feet don’t even touch the ground!!
Lindsee, you’re awesome.
Lindsee, you are so adorable, such a fun loving Jesus girl:) Loved the random dump of your pictures and keeping us in the loop of the important stuff too. Love you!
My green smoothie recipe
Place these items in blender as listed and mix until smooth:
8 oz kefir (homemade)
4 oz pineapple juice
4 oz apple juice
1/2 a cucumber
A large handful (approx. 2 cups of green leaves (spinach and kale)
3/4 cup chopped frozen pineapple
1 cup frozen grapes whole
ENJOY!
This sounds tasty!
Lindsee!!! I love your iPhone dumps!!! AND you will NOT believe what we had for dinner!!!!! Brussels Sprouts made the same way but we add garlic and asparagus!! The olive oil and browning them make them so delicious!! I love Sunrises and Sunsets!! You are a girl after my own heart!! I love Beth’s posts but I love yours just as much!! You also gave me a great idea tonight! My 87 year old Aunt just moved out of her house of 58 years and it sold in 6 days so I took the pictures that were posted to sell her house! She will love to have the memories of her beloved house! Thanks for being you! You are one special girl and blog poster!! 🙂
You’re so kind, Colette! In other news, I totally have a new asparagus recipe I’m getting ready to try! But you’ve inspired me to add garlic. Yum!
Lindsee,
I have always enjoyed your blog posts, thank you for sharing. Your creativity, zest for life, humor, honesty, and passion for God, are such a blessing.
Love seeing the pictures, I have never witnessed clouds in a rainbow formation either, and the sunrise/sunsets are breathtaking.
God bless you richly.
Thanks for your really sweet and encouraging words, Kathie! The blessed me this AM. Have a great Wednesday!
I one time made a Brussels sprouts dish for my adult son who loves them. I had cooked the sprouts (boiled them but you can roast them if you like), then sliced them in half. Then I cut up two or three slices of bacon into pieces and fried them. Then I added potatoes that were already cooked and cut into small pieces to the bacon and tossed them around in the pan. Then throw in the sprouts and mix them all together. Season with salt and pepper. He loved it. I know I didn’t give too much info on the amount of potatoes I used but you can use whatever you feel is enough for the dish.
Are you sure that’s a “guinea” pig?! They look a lot different in the States compared to the UK. Laughing.
I’ve just been corrected! It’s not a guinea pig. Laughing. : )
Will do (remember Beth). And thanks for the brussel sprout recipe. I want to like them 🙂 I’ll try it.
Green Smoothie:
2 cups organic Kale
1 cup almond milk OR coconut water
1/2 cup frozen berries
1/2 banana
1 teaspoon chia seeds
Blend well and enjoy.
I actually enjoy the taste and have recently started adding a scoop of protein powder in it. Hope you like it!
Kim, that is VERY similar to the smoothie I’ve been making a lot lately, except I have pineapple in there as well. It’s SO delicious!
Lindsee,
Thanks for the update on the bible study that’s being released this summer-that’s so exciting! I’ll be praying for Beth & the girls as they travel and minister.
I wanted to say “thank you” for the Brussels Sprouts recipe-they look delicious!
We also make them in a delicious and yummy way, but not as healthy. Grin We get a frying pan and put in the bottom equal parts oil and balsamic vinegar-just enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Then take the brussels sprouts (sliced in half) and place them cut side down. Simmer on low heat until the sprouts have soaked up all of the fluid. Remove from heat & sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Then enjoy the yumminess! 🙂 I’m totally looking forward to trying your recipe, as they look amazing!
I also have a “thing” for sunsets. They’ve always (even from childhood) been one of the things The Lord used to woo and romance my heart to Him.
I’ve got to say, I have never seen a cloud rainbow like that either. It’s stunning! Thank you for taking and sharing that photo.
I LOVE the photo’s from the rodeo! What a hoot!! It totally cracks me up that you’re not actually touching the animals. Grin.
The pig is actually a Pot Bellied Pig. Guinea Pigs are much smaller and way cuter. 😉
We have Dwarf Nigerian Goats and the pigmy goats are hilarious! We have a friend who has some and they look like they are always grinning because of their teeth. To funny.
Anyhoo, thanks for sharing & have a great day!!
Anna
Anna, I’m so glad to know about the Pot Bellied Pig! Thanks for sharing an important fact!
Lindsee, I enjoyed looking at your pics. I have never been to Texas, so it was all new to me. I printed off your brussel sprouts recipe and will definitely try it.
On a personal note, when my husband and I had first started dating, he invited me to lunch, and he was cooking. I was impressed! He knew I love vegetables, so to impress me more, he cooked green beans with tomatoes (which are delicious), and brussel sprouts! They have never been my favorite, but he was so nice to make them, so I ate them, and they were actually pretty good. I really love that man! (and not just for his cooking);)
Thats sweet, Janet!
Totally Simple Green Smoothie Recipe: Vanilla Ice Cream, a little bit of milk & green food dye.
I suppose that wasn’t exactly the recipe for which you were looking, but it’s got calcium, right? So, it’s totally healthy!
🙂
Grin.
Thanks for sharing Lindsee!! Oh to be young…just looking at all that fried stuff on a stick put on at least 5lbs. Just a hint, we had a goat…years ago, they are sweet, and smelly, and quite without common sense…pretty much untrainable. Visiting a goat is far more practical:o) Just sayin…
Well done Lindsee! What fun! A Lovely way to see your life moments 🙂
Can I say thanks for Ellie’s pic, I miss Beth’s kids so much, we used to get pics and stories of “Grandma’s” adventures, sleep overs etc. And time to time the “Girls” used to make a spot appearance and I miss them too! The stories so fun and crazy and felt like they were family. So Ellie’s stories with you are such joy for me!
You have a gift for your “eye” with photography! Amazing shots, I feel you through the lens. The empty apartment!The sun moments, and those clouds! Well thanks for sharing all the times 😀
I too have always wanted a pigmy goat! And a donkey-Love donkeys! but most rentals don’t see the same cuteness! sigh!
GOD bless you my electronic friend!!! You are indeed a fun spot to land on in blog land!
Good Morning, Sunshine Lindsee! Your posts always make my day! Thanks for sharing your life with us; everyday is an adventure.
Prayers for Mama Beth, Amanda & Melissa as they minister down under.
As a parent participant of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, your perspective was hilarious! I laughed out loud. I think the pregnant pig is a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig; they look pregnant even when they aren’t. LOL! Guinea pigs are much smaller, like a big hamster or small rabbit. When I taught Pre-K, we learned about animal families, the names of moms, dads & children. Then we went on a field trip to the stock show & actually were able to pet all the animals…even cattle & horses. It was so much fun!
Thanks for the LPM updates. We appreciate you so much. Be blessed!
Thank you for the fun picture filled post! I can’t wait to try the Brussels Sprout recipe. Eating green smoothies and cooked greens might help counteract any fried delicacies and delicious burgers and help avoid any resemblance to a pot bellied pig:)
Would you mind sharing your new asparagus recipe?
Hi Sarah! This is the asparagus recipe I am going to try! Thank you, Pinterest. Grin. http://www.ellaclaireinspired.com/2013/04/worlds-best-asparagus-quickly.html
I just finished a major conference that was my responsibility and I’m sitting here waiting for a courier to ferry my meeting materials back to my office. This blog was a breath of fresh air and I loved the randomness of it all. Especially the photos! Thanks so much for sharing and brightening my cold and dreary Ohio day!
I LOVE brussel sprouts. I’ve made the same recipe and then threw in some dried cranberries. So good. The rainbow clouds picture is awesome. I really enjoy all your post especially the random IPhone pics. You have done an excellent job posting on this blog and I always look forward to it. I’d love for Melissa to pick it up again as she feels inspired to do so. I miss both her and Amanda’s post from years past. I haven’t been to the rodeo in years, but a fried snickers sounds pretty fab. Keep the pictures coming, they are such fun. God Bless! Praying for Beth and her girls to have a special time in Sydney. LORD keep them safe and may your name be glorified at the conference.
Ok…i wish I had a juice recipe thingy but I don’t. I so need to. Cracking up at the animals. PRECIOUS!! And, the deep fried food is TO.DIE.FOR!!
Fran! If you’ve got a blender you can so join me in the green smoothie phase. : ) I have a fav right now that tastes divine! Do it!
Ok…send me your fav recipe. I’m sorta scared. Did you post it here? Let me go back and check. I got me a blender. 😉
I have two that I go between right now, but the one I think you should start with, that my friend recently shared with me and is DELICIOUS, is:
1 Cup Almond Milk (Plain – no flavor)
1/2 Cup Pure Pineapple Juice
1/2 Cup Pineapple
1 Banana
1/2 Cup chopped Kale (I do about 1 1/2 to 2 cups, but you can start small)
And protein powder (I do all natural vanilla flavor – Garden of Life to be exact. Just know that USUALLY, if you put TOO much powder in, you can really taste it.)
Blend and puree really well, until really smooth and drink! Let me know if you like it!
Thanks for your post and the recipe AND the gorgeous sunset and cloud pics. I just tried asparagus for the first time this week and loved it – roasted it in the oven.
Loved the pictures! Thanks for sharing
Lindsee, thanks so much for all the hard work you do! You are a very talented, Jesus-loving gal and I wish I lived in TX and we could be friends! I loved your random post with pictures! (and recipes!!) you’ve inspired me to try a green smoothie!
Love the newsy post and we’ll keep Beth and the girls in our prayers for sure. Just have to comment on the photo of the pregnant pot bellied pig – unbelievable! I never even thought about them having to deal with pregnancy – I mean after all, they carry around a lot of weight around the middle on any given day – poooor thingggs…can’t imagine the backache! Thanks for the fun!
Lindsee,
Too cute girl!!! I am such a farm gal at heart♡ The pygmy goat and sheep are my favorite…
Thanks for sharing brought lots of smiles to my ♥
Blessings
Oh Lindsey! What a great post! I enjoy your photo dumps! Those clouds were Amazing! I love watching clouds and have never seen rainbow shaped clouds.crazy… I am a Brussel sprout lover, looking forward to trying this recipe, Yum!
I will be praying for Beth, Amanda and Melissa!
I could ramble on about your post all day… laughed to see you trying to pet the sheep. The kangaroo was precious.
Have an amazing day! You are loved!
First of all, that Whataburger picture has inspired a craving that has lasted since yesterday when I first read this post! My church from the Springfield, MO area used to stop at Whataburger on our way through Texas when we drove to Mexico every summer while I was in high school and college. They do a great job of serving 60 people quickly! (I guess my craving will continue until I find a reason to go to Texas or Oklahoma… Or start petitioning one to open in KC – where I currently live.)
Also, I’m going to try out that Brussels Sprouts recipe on my roomies next week! They have no idea what’s coming but I’ve decided that I want to like them which means I have to try them and I think they should come along for the ride!
Yes, my roommate and I are great at pulling each other along on our random food adventures!
Lindsee – Thanks for the fun post! The pot-bellied pig unnerved me! Thanks for including the brussels sprouts recipe; I grew up detesting them, but once I learned the trick of baking them (and I do it at ab 400 for 15 mins with a dash of hot red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor), I’m on the crusade to make sure everyone knows how truly delectable these little green darlings are (and to think I used to hide the sprouts I was served in my grandmother’s flower garden, I loathed them so). I’m glad to see we’re crusaders together for this worthy cause!
I’ve been having praying for Beth and everyone at Colour!! Who knows how many hours ahead of us they are?!
I think they’re about 16 hours ahead of us! Crazy time change!
Hi Lindsee! I always enjoy your posts and photos. The one of your empty apartment is wonderful…it really brought that “saying good-bye” feeling to the surface. You have a gift! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Lindsee,
I have always loved your posts! They are so real, joyful and full of hope and humor. Your pictures of scenery are always just amazing! Please keep up the fantastic work. You are so appreciated!
Fun post, Lindsee! Loved the update and the beautiful pics! Thanks for your hard work — I feel tired just reading what ya’ll have been doing. Hope you find some relaxation this weekend!
The fewer the fruits in your green smoother, the better because fruit = calories. So, here’s my daily after-workout smoothie that doesn’t un-do all I just did!
1/2 cup fresh squeezed oj
1/4 cup water
2 leaves of kale or spinach
juice of 1 lemon or lime
1 tsp spirulina powder (seaweeds are GREAT for you!)
2 tsp chia seeds
2 tsp flax seed oil (omegas!)
1 Tbsp ground flax seed
*optional* 1 stalk celery,1/4″ slice ginger and 1 tsp honey
Blend in a Vitamix blender (the only blender that gets smoothies completely SMOOTH)
Thanks for the fun pictures & beauty of nature.
Plus I too am a Brussels sprout girl! good recipe too.
Thanks for the Brussels sprouts recipe. Just yesterday I mentioned I needed a good recipe for them. I think this is exactly what I was looking for. Isn’t our God the best!!!!!
about Whataburger….We love their hamburgers! I cannot believe you have not had them before now. Our family was first introduced to them 33 years ago when we lived in Houston for 7 years. Since then whenever we see a Whataburger whether it is in New Mexico, Arizona, Florida, Alabama, or Nevada we have to stop and eat there no matter what time of day it is. Now we even send photos to our sons to brag when we get to stop and eat at one. Enjoy them!
Lindsee,
We tried this brussels sprout recipe tonight–yum! Thanks for keeping us up to date and for sharing words of wisdom and lessons God is teaching you along the way.
love,
Audrey