A New Beginning

 I am sorry for the lack of posting for the last month. Life has been just a tad bit crazy with preparations for our grand trip to London, England. That and the fact that a cup of coffee was spilled on my laptop are the reasons you haven't heard from me lately.
 Please keep us all in your prayers as we leave day after tomorrow for our eleven day trip across the world. Pray that all little ones sleep soundly during the flights, and that our luggage arrives at the same time we do. (We have a connecting flight.)
 On to some exciting news! You have probably already heard that my family is starting a new website and we would like for you all to check it out. My personal blog posts are added onto our new website and I will be closing this one down and posting there from now on.
  We hope you enjoy all further Houston updates there from now on! God bless!

 www.thehoustontable.com

Great Quote

"Homemaking is surely in reality the most important work in the world. What do ships, railways, mines, cars, government, etc. exist for except that people may be fed, warmed, and safe in their own homes? ...The homemaker's job is one for which all others exist."

~ C.S. Lewis

A Taste of Home

Today I made a jar of ranch dressing. I discovered the deliciousness of homemade salad dressings at a dear friend's home. After having tasted such amazingness I couldn't eat the store bought stuff any longer. There was no flavor at all! Especially a certain Hidden Valley! 

 It seemed so impressive that they made it from scratch. They assured me how easy it was so I thought that I would try it. They were right! 

Here is a recipe for ranch that I found and that is super easy. 

1 1/3 cup mayonnaise 

1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)

1 cup sour cream

4 cloves of garlic

2 teaspoons dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)

1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley)

1 teaspoon onion powder

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

This fills a 1 quart jar. I doubled the recipe for you. So if you have a smaller family just divide in half! I hope you all will try this and enjoy some better tasting salad this summer! 

Great Quote

"Why do bad things happen to good people? That only happened once and He volunteered."

~ R. C. Sproul, Jr.

Happy Birthday!

Today is the birthday of a very special friend! 

It often surprises me to remember that we have only known each other for a little over two years because it feels as though I have known her my whole life. She is a precious gift from God! He placed her in my life during some of the most trying times I have ever experienced. 

Many of you know that she lived with us last summer during my sister's cancer treatments. For this reason alone I cannot imagine life without her! She was a friend that encouraged me during those long and hard days. I don't know if I would be who I am today had she not been there with me during that long season. God knew that I would need a friend to hug me when I cried, to laugh with me, to sneak to the kitchen in the middle of the night for a spoonful of peanut butter, to go exercising on the track, to go to the store, to drive to the library and then walk to Starbucks, to sit on the porch late at night looking at the moon, eat strawberry rhubarb pie, and the list goes on and on. 

Yes she is amazing!

Thank you God for this precious friend! 

Happy Birthday Anna!

Until We Meet Again

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall  follow me all the days of my life :and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

~Psalm 23

Yesterday my grandfather, Larry Houston, went to dwell in the presence of his Savior Jesus Christ. 

I love you Grandpa!

Happy Valentine's Day!