Lentil soup

When I was a kid one of our many family traditions over winter was toasted sandwiches and soup on a Saturday. Often our Nana and Pop would join us and it was a real family time. The soup was often tinned, and I wasn't a big fan of it, so I was suprised when about a year ago I found this recipe that I absolutely adore. Lentil soup

Ingredients 1 brown onion, finely chopped 2 celery sticks, trimmed, coarsely chopped 1 carrot, peeled, coarsely chopped 1 swede, peeled, coarsely chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tbs olive oil 115g (1/2 cup) red lentils 2 x 400g cans diced italian tomatoes (we like the ones with herbs and garlic), 1200ml (5 cups) vegetable stock 3 tsp ground cumin Other posibe variations: 1 bunch chopped kale 1 tsp chipotle powder Method: Brown onion and garlic in olive oil in a large saucepan, add celery, carrot, swede, garlic, lentils, tomato, stock and cumin (this is also when you can add kale and/ or chipotle powder). Cover and bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender and soup is thick. Divide soup among serving bowls and serve.

Vegetarian to vegan

Last November I decided to switch from begin vegetarian to vegan. I have tried in the past, and failed. Although I have been a vegetarian since 10, and didn't drink milk or eat eggs (unless they were in something)I found it hard to go completely vegan. I would try for a few weeks and the smell of a cheese pizza or vegie lasagne would draw me in again. Just after my last birthday I decided to give it an honest try. My weight is huge and the junk food is killing me. Most of the rest of the family are vegetarian (except our 7 year old who loves meat), so it hasn't been that hard this time. Last night I cooked up Zucchini balls for the tribe, and James asked if I would share some recipes on my blog so he can use them when he is back at university. So here is the first of many vegetarian or vegan recipes the we use. Zucchini Balls

500g (17.6 oz)Grated Zucchini. pinch of salt, 1 small onion grated. 1 teaspoon, 1/2 cup fetta grated, 4 eggs lightly beaten, half cup plain flour (all-purpose flour). half cup Self-raising flour. 1 grated carrot. ground pepper to taste. Put all these ingredients in a bowl and stir till mixed. spoon balls of stuff in hot oil.; cook. These work well with greek yought, chive and garlic combine as a dip.

Our baby's birthday.

Becca is two. It has gone so fast. I can still remember Mr D by my side, and his first words as our little misfit was born. How I tried to hurry and felt so guilty because Mr D had a meeting he was suppose to attend that night. He told me nothing is more important than family. I saw that in the way that he looked a Rebecca that day. We now go through the terrible twos (and have been for awhile) in which she squeels so often in a way that goes straight through you. But she will always be our littliest princess.

Patience

How do you know when something is meant to be? On Monday I was awaiting surgery. A surgery that I have prayed about many times. A surgery I have waited nearly two years for. A surgery that the Drs now says that I have to have ASAP. Just as I was about to go into the surgical theatre they took my temperature again and said that I have a fever and I can't be operated on. Is that dumb or what? I know that the Surgeon was doing what is right, but I was left wondering if it is a sign that I should not go through with it at all. I think I sobbed for an hour. Today I woke up feeling like I have the flu. I think in this lifetime the thing that is my most important lesson is Patience; I just wish I could have it RIGHT NOW!

Surgery Monday

Well, the time has come. Surgery is scheduled for Monday. Surgery that frightens me. Surgery that I wish I could avoid. I can't help but think that after Monday I will be less of a person, a woman. If they do a hysterectomy the door will be closed forever. I have found myself thinking back to the times when I found out that I was pregnant with each and every one of my little blessings. The feeling of new, precious life growing inside of me. That is an experience that every woman should be blessed enough to have.

Speaking with our sweet neighbours the other day, I mentioned I would be going into hospital and I hoped they could help keep and eye on Mr D. I know he can handle the kids well; he is a wonderful Dad; but, I just wanted to know that there would be somebody there for him if he needs it. They asked about the surgery and if I was scared that it was cancer. I said I am not; strange, but I am not afraid of death. The idea of seeing my son, brother, Dad, Pop, Nana and Grandy leaves me feeling comforted. I am afraid of the pain. Waking from the operation to be met with incredible pain leaves me feeling like I should just cancel the surgery and endure to the end. I am thankful for each of my children. For the blessings of being a mom. For my husband and all that he does. I pray now from the strength to see my way through this and to love myself afterwards.