Harvest Time

Don't you just love September? Changing colours of trees, kids are back to school. Cool air!  I'm loving the season! This morning I had a really nice long walk.  
This is the time also where we need to finish all outdoor projects and be ready for winter season to come.
We had a great summer. Although this year, we didn't get to go anywhere out of town as what we do every year but that doesn't bother me at all. I am enjoying myself at home with my kids and enjoyed our church family. It was so nice to be visited by our dearest friends from Washington as well. It's their turn to come :)
I had a chance also to take care of my flower gardens and was able to plant lots of vegetables too which by the way I harvested a week ago.

green peas

green chillis

Tomatoes and a red pepper

more red chillis 

squash. I made soup with this.

I stir fry green peas with fried tofu, shitake mushroom with ginger  and it was so good!

Here's the recipe if you want to try it in your home.

 

• Ingredients
• 
  
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon oriental sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
• 12-ounce package extra-firm tofu drained, cut into 3/4-inch cubes, patted dry with paper towels (can buy it in any asian store)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
•  vegetable oil, divided
• 6 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, caps quartered
• 8 ounces green peas , trimmed
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
• 4 green onions, sliced on diagonal
• 
  

Whisk first 5 ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Add tofu and stir to coat. Let marinate 30 minutes. 

• Drain. Whisk 1/4 cup water and cornstarch into marinade.
• Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. 
  Add tofu and sauté until golden, about 2 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer tofu to plate. 
  Add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to skillet. Add mushrooms and stir-fry until tender, about 3 minutes. 
  Add green peas, stir-fry 2 minutes. 
  Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry 30 seconds. 
  Return tofu to skillet, drizzle reserved marinade mixture over. Stir-fry until marinade thickens slightly, about 30 seconds. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl. Sprinkle with green onions and serve then enjoy!

Hope you all had a great summer! 

God's Protection

This is one thing our family used to do every time we ride on our vehicles, we ask God to protect us each day as we go about in our daily business, either going to stores, schools or how far and long we could go.

Yesterday, after church, I drove all kids home and had lunch. Jessica, my 12 yo daughter wanted to get some stuff for school in superstore and  sweet lady from our church gave me a gift card and thought it is a time to get some things that we needed at home, for the next day will be labor day and stores will be close.

As we usually do, say a prayer of protection as my daughter and I left home that day. On our way there, not far from our place, I saw that prayer answered in a very real way. As I'm about to turn right on a busy street, I pressed the brake but no resistant, our vehicle speed up and our steering wheel become loose. Instead of turning it right our van passed straight two busy lanes  and hit the tree.  Both airbags inflated and smoke coming out from somewhere. God must have clear the way for us because that time there are no coming cars both ways and If I turn right in a busy street I might collide other cars, no doubt we would have ended up in the hospital or other people get seriously injured or might cause death.

Kind hearted bystanders rushed and helped us. My husband came, there were firetrucks and police came and the lane was closed momentarily.

I was so thankful that God had spared me and my daughter from a serious accident. This morning as I woke up I would think of what could have happened, and my heart is full of thanksgiving that God's protection and mercy follows us each day. 

Thank you Lord for sparing our lives! what a privilege it is to serve a God who looks after us each day and delivers us from dangers that we may not even know about.

This verse means more to me today. I had no idea of the danger that would  confront us that day, but God knew well in advance and He protected us in our time of need. What peace there is in knowing that God is always looking after us! If He sees the dangers that we are not aware of, then surely He also sees the ones that concerns us, and He will help with those too. 

"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." Psalm 34:7" 

This verse is a promise that brings rest and assurance to the hearts of God-fearing people.God notices the little sparrow’s fall, and He says in His Word, “Ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31).

God not only notices us, but He watches over us each day and delivers us from harm and danger. Trust in His promise and remember to thank Him for the protection we may not always see!

DIY Kitchen Cafe Curtain with Grommets

 I'm in a sewing mood lately! I discovered that I am not that bad when it comes to sewing lol. I made fancy pillow cases for Jessica's room and  window treatments for both babies and foster boys room, but I'll post that next time :)
I also made a curtain for my kitchen window, just kind of exploring  a little bit and see what kind of style that fits in there. I want something that is not totally covered but gives a little privacy as well. I hardly find something that I like in the store, so why not try to do it on my own :). 
  

I found this fabric @ Mitchells Fabrics, it's on sale, it's $ 15 per meter but I got it half price $ 22 for 3 meters and  12 pieces grommets which is a little bit pricy. One grommet cost $2. So, a total of $44 dollars.  

I think it will look nice on my Sahara Brown granite countertop when it's done :)

This is my kitchen window looked like before. No more blinds for me.

I might try the roman shades as well, something like this:

How about you? what kind of window treatment you like the best in your kitchen?  


Have a great day!

Bloom where you Planted

My Roses are all in full bloom. They are so beautiful!


"Oh King, not many people notice me, but I realized that if you planted me here, you must have had a good reason. So, your Majesty, I’ve determined to be the best flower I can be!”

Our King has planted a beautiful garden. Not one of us is greater than the next. It is his His perfection. Everyone of us are beautiful in His sight just like these beautiful roses. We must come to a place where we trust that God has a reason for creating us the way He has and has planted us in just the place he desired.

This yellow roses are given to me by my dear husband. How sweet is that :)

I am joining Show and Tell

Romantic Home

 Outdoor Wednesday

And Wow Us Wednesday

May you all have a great summer!

Be Fruitful

Hi there, it's been a warm sunny but beautiful week! Kids are home and I am enjoying their company :) We had barbeques in our backyard all the time and littles had fun in their kiddie pool. Once in a while when it's not too hot outside, I spend time reading or napping in my hammock.
My roses are all in full bloom. I will show you next time. My vegetables show their fruits already, it's not ripe yet but I'm thrilled to see them grow and bearing fruit.

Grapes

Grape vines

Apple tree

Berries

green chillis

tomatoes

Green peppers

Green peas

Lettuce

Squash

My vegetable garden

“As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can we, unless we abide in Christ. No one can bear “fruits” without being connected to Christ, the Vine.

Whenever you wonder if you’re being fruitful, ask yourself, “Am I like Jesus? Is His life flowing through me each day? Do the fruits of my life point others to the Vine?”

Closer let me cling, my Saviour
You're the all-sufficient Vine
You alone can make me fruitful,
Blessed source of strength divine. 

Bosch

What vegetables or trees that you planted this year? 

Have a great day!

Sisters Week

Your sister is your first friend in life. No one will ever understand your crazy family like your sister. Even if you don't get together, not seen for a long time or talk as much as you could, she'll always remain your friend. Your sister will hold your hand for a while but will hold your heart for a lifetime.


It's "National Sister Week", Love you forever my sisters and regardless ~ Ate Virgie, Ate Gloria, Ate Remie, Ate Ernanita and Mallory!


The term "Ate" in filipino is actually likely to applied to any older sister who should be treated with respect.


Have a good day everyone!

O Canada!

It's been 5 years this month since we raised our right hand and affirmed our oath to be a Canadian citizen. 

Canada is a great place to live, not because we live here but we experienced, tasted and seen the beauty of this country for the past 13 years. It is truly a land of opportunity. It abounds with economic prosperity, affordable education options, excellent health care and retirement schemes, an abundance of lands. Rich in beautiful views, vast of plains, mountains, hills, lakes, forestry. Clean air and fresh water supplies, all providing for a safe environment. It's a good place to raise a child. There are no basic problems of transportation, water, gas and political disturbances. It is a peace loving country. 

We thank God that He brought us here in Canada where we enjoy every privileges and opportunities they offer. We are just blessed to be here. I love this country.

Today, Canada is celebrating it's 144 years! Happy Canada Day!

Here are some of our photos during our Oath taking 5 years ago. 

Jessica took this picture, besides she was born here and no need for her to take an oath.

God, keep our land

Glorious and free

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!