The Meaning of a Name

This morning, our pastor announced the name of a baby girl born to a family in the congretation this week. This family is from Africa, and the name means "God worthy to be praised." Isn't that awesome?!

Names are powerful and meaningful. I don't think there is a culture on earth where that statement would not be true because the God who introduced us to Himself as "I AM" created us in His image and has woven that truth into our very fiber.

My parents chose "Tara" because my mom is from Atlanta (and married a Yankee) and wanted a southern name for her daughter. Tara is the plantation in Gone With the Wind. My middle name, Rebecca, is my aunt's name.

We chose our children's names carefully, too. Big Girl's name was chosen because it is also a Ukrainian name and we liked that it was assoicated with wisdom. Her middle name was chosen for her great grandmother who was a wise, godly woman. The Boy's name is Biblical and we chose it because God heard our prayer for a boy. His middle name is his great grandfather's name- Erving.

My pregnancy with Baby Girl was a complete shock, and quite honestly, I struggled with the idea of another baby. We also had a hard year the year I was pregnant with her- Mr. YH had a miserable job that put a great deal of stress on the entire family. Jonah 2:8 was a verse that meant a great deal to me. When it came time to pick a middle name, Grace it was. Her name was the only one we did not pick based on meaning. We brought her home, and I remember sitting up in the bonus room with Mr. YH and wondering aloud if we had chosen the right name. Then we looked it up and guess what it meant? Grace. I cried because isn't that so like God to give us a double portion of His grace just because He wants to?!

What is the story behind a name (or names) you value?

Did I Really Say That?!

Me to a certain three year old this morning: "Can you please stop dusting the dresser with your undies and just put them on?"

And then I momentarily stood in the hall reflecting on what had just come out of my mouth. I'm only 8.5 years into this parenting adventure...I have no doubt the most bizarre statements {and situations!} are yet to come!

I would love some good laughs-

what has come out of your mouth lately parenting (or otherwise)?!

Bunny Brains

In case you have never heard or have forgotten, Bunny has a music box for a brain which makes washing him a bit problematic. {Hint to expecting moms: don't buy your child an animal intended for longterm bonding that has a music box inside! You're welcome.} Anyway, although it was not Bunny's turn to go back to the States, he won the trip so he could get a bath in Gigi's American washing machine:

{Prayers: Please, God, let him still sing...}

A little padding in the dryer...

Pleased as punch with a softer, cleaner, and better smelling Bunny.

Original Bunny story here.

Rainy Day Comfort Food

We're having a thunderstorm today. Thankfully, the kids and I made it down to the store and back before the deluge. While they occupied themselves, I made homemade tomato soup.

source

My mother-in-law gave me this recipe;

it's from this recipe book.

Creamy Tomato Soup

1/2 cup butter

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion, thinly sliced

1 t. thyme

1 t. basil

salt and pepper to taste

2 (14.5 oz.) cans Italian-stewed tomatoes, drained

3 T. tomato paste

4 T. flour

3 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided

1 t. sugar

1 cup heavy cream or half 'n half

Heat the butter and oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Stir in the onion, thyme, basil, salt and pepper; saute 3-4 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 20 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 5 tablespoons chicken broth; stir into the soup. Add the remaining broth and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occassionally. Puree the soup in a blender and return it to the pot, or use an immersion blender right in the pot. Stir in the sugar and cream; simmer for 5 minutes or until heated through.

{I substituted gluten free flour and rice milk for the flour and cream.}

What is your favorite food on a rainy day?

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sponsored by KitchenAid, Red Star Yeast and Le Creuset.

Dear America

3 weeks ago we landed in Chicago and it was such a great feeling to stand in the "resident" line. After living overseas in a country still recovering from the great socialism experiment where people would give anything to even visit you, I don't take having an American passport in hand for granted. (Neither do I mind the order of a line.)

I saw a robin sitting on a sign as we rode the bus to the rental car agency, and I smiled because I haven't seen one for a year. Who knew a little bird would be such a welcome sight?

The Boy asked his daddy last night when we could "go back to America not just for a trip." We all miss you.

Happy Birthday!