tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59592452012-01-29T20:53:20.749-05:00Food, Family, Faith: Serving it hot and fresh daily...Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.comBlogger11121100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-33395814556650368632011-12-29T23:45:00.000-05:002012-01-02T09:56:01.575-05:00

July Or as it's otherwise known, 5K Month. I ran three 5Ks in July, one of which being the Warrior Dash in Michigan. I was also testing out new footwear. I ran the Firemen's Race in the Merrell Pace Gloves and the Chase the Lake race in my Luna Sandals. I got many strange looks for running a race in sandals, but otherwise it was a good race. I ran the Warrior Dash in the Merrells and was very

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-91204373873863435472011-12-29T22:18:00.000-05:002012-01-02T09:55:40.897-05:00

Christmas 2010 Last Christmas we took the train out to New Jersey to spend the holiday with Erik's family. We went to the Latvian Church for Christmas Eve services, which I always enjoy. Pr. Eva always gives memorable sermons that give much to think about in the coming months. She asked us to consider the JOY of Christ in the world and to think on that amid suffering, struggles, pain. Joy is not

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-85287251045343557332011-11-11T09:25:00.001-05:002011-11-11T10:06:00.454-05:00

It's snowing outside! Our Siberian Husky is much more excited about it than the fellow who wakes up at quarter of six to walk her. The four-year-old in the house was thrilled. Mommy isn't feeling well and is rather indifferent to things happening outside the sofa. So, that's the weather report. A house for all seasons. When I traveled to Chicago a few weeks back, I drove into a beautiful,

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-3971539391933533782011-11-03T20:46:00.001-04:002011-11-11T10:06:34.147-05:00

There is no rest for moms, but today I am grateful that I can call up a kid in the neighborhood to walk my dog at s moment's notice.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-14805378195984621152011-11-02T19:47:00.001-04:002011-11-02T20:03:09.372-04:00

What a fabulous sunset! What a beautiful day! That alone fills me with gratitude. Wednesdays are special, however. Today is our CSA pickup day. Each week we are blessed with a small mountain of delicious, locally and sustainably grown foods. This week I ordered some extra goodies: oxtail, soup bones and artisan cheese. In addition to our CSA, we also have access to fresh milk in glass jars

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-41336022133273866752011-11-01T19:47:00.001-04:002011-11-01T20:08:05.339-04:00

Today is my birthday: thirtysomething. 11/1/11 seems like a fortuitous day to have a birthday. The weather this morning was a dense fog, but I could see the sun pushing through. By eleven this morning, the sky was blue and only traces of clouds were left on the horizon, fortuitious indeed. Glorious blue skyes above my yard. Today, and every day, I am thankful for my ever-gracious

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-92070679837539835502011-10-31T09:46:00.001-04:002011-10-31T10:03:18.962-04:00

You guessed it: grey, overcast and cold. I took this picture out of the front door this morning. Most of the trees have lost their leaves. Thankfully some frat boys at the college do a leaf-raking fundraiser each year. We are glad to support their efforts if it means that we don't have to spend our whole weekend raking leaves. Despite all the angst I've been having over the chaos and endless

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-32539538566226766902011-10-30T16:34:00.000-04:002011-10-31T10:01:14.742-04:00

Today is Reformation Sunday. It is overcast and cold, but we dodged the winter mess that socked the East Coast. I took this picture outside of our church after services this morning. The skies opened up a little bit in the later afternoon, but not what you would call "clear." The sky is blah, but the hospitality inside makes up for it. I am so very thankful for our tiny, but vibrant church in

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-54023529552434939092011-10-29T09:03:00.001-04:002011-11-11T10:05:30.232-05:00

Holy Moly, it's snowing outside. My dad used to tell me that I was born the opening day of fox trapping season and the first snowfall of the year. My birthday isn't for a few more days, but it is often accompanied by snow. Snow causes a little sadness for us here because it means that we will have five more months of it. How is it possible for winter to last so long? Perhaps I live in Narnia.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-40572969500689009692011-10-28T09:14:00.001-04:002011-10-28T09:36:46.292-04:00

The temperatures plummeted last night; Erik scraped frost off of my car. The temperature on the dash read 32*. It was very foggy, which, while not sunny, is pretty cool. After dropping Asha off at school, I went to beans on broad. I am thankful for Michela, who bought this place two years ago. She doesn't just runs beverage station, but this place has been a harbor for the arts, a

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-44707238699960339442011-10-27T09:41:00.001-04:002011-10-27T10:23:19.523-04:00

Inspired by a friend, photographer and fellow blogger, I have decided to resume blogging. I am going to work on a little gratitude project. You see, it is rainy and overcast much of the time here and that gets me pretty depressed. However, there are also plenty of things to be grateful for. As we approach the season where we may not have a sunny sky for weeks on end, I need things to keep me sane

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2Grove City Grove City41.164009 -80.068517tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-51175976551419587692011-10-03T11:20:00.002-04:002011-10-03T11:20:57.302-04:00

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-91795994684121619292011-03-07T15:48:00.003-05:002011-03-07T15:51:13.574-05:00

Cafe Irani has had a long run and has changed names several times: The Misadventures of Sarah Hempel, Nine Tons of Marble and Cafe Irani. Thanks for your support over the years and thanks for your thoughtful comments. I will be blogging about art for my studio site: Nine Tons of Marble. At one time my art and my life felt more integrated, and the blog merged the two. The not-so-new Nine Tons of

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-76718509861405801322010-04-19T13:27:00.005-04:002010-04-25T14:59:46.293-04:00

I ran my first 5K this weekend in 32 minutes without stopping. (Thank you, Couch to 5K!) I was crying at the finish line, sobbing in fact. I wasn't hurting, I was overwhelmed with crazy joy.It's a long story, but it's not really my first 5K. When I was a kid, I was possibly one of the most clumsy, non-athletic people on the planet. I wasn't overweight, but I was always the last to be picked for

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-32488394700154901152010-03-24T18:20:00.006-04:002010-03-25T11:28:36.535-04:00

Greek-Style Kale and Sausage Stew with Egg-Lemon Sauce1 tablespoon olive oil1 Small onion, diced1 pound uncooked Italian hot sausage6 cups (4 ounces) coarsely chopped kale leaves (trimmed of thick stems)1 ¼ cups hot chicken broth, divided2 eggs, beaten3 tablespoons fresh lemon juiceHeat Olive Oil in large pan.Add onion and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until tender.Break sausage into

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-15090069657173940292010-03-22T08:35:00.003-04:002010-03-22T08:41:24.992-04:00

Enjoying the peace and quiet of the livingroom in 2009.Total distruction of said livingroom. This is what it usually looks like now.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-61615559454429038342010-03-21T15:11:00.006-04:002010-03-21T15:26:39.597-04:00

The top picture was taken in August, the bottom taken just the other day. Yes, it's the same kid.Can you believe that Asha has been in our family for eight months now?I cannot believe how much she's grown. In addition to learning what it means to be a part of a family, she's had a lot of work to do to catch up to her peers. Eight months ago, she was wobbly even standing up. Since then she's

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-51615706096306567202010-03-21T15:10:00.000-04:002010-03-21T15:11:15.655-04:00

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-51743215108852448932010-02-23T08:34:00.005-05:002010-02-23T14:20:49.648-05:00

I have filled my bookshelves with books on agrarianism, voluntary simplicity, and the like. I have read about the beauty of the ebb and flow of the days and seasons, the repetitious nature of life. The sun rises in the east each morning, the birds awaken, squirrels begin gathering nuts and seeds again. In the evening, the sun sets with predictability, the stars come out in predictable patterns.I

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-12173590347413126102010-02-23T08:32:00.001-05:002010-02-23T08:34:02.768-05:00

This is my Mommy Flower. One day I was admiring the fullness of it's leaves and how it had really grown since I put new soil in, but had not yet bloomed. Literally two hours later we found the two toddlers ripping off every beautiful leaf until there were only three left. I was so angry at those menacing two-year-olds, and I screamed until my voice was hoarse. Nonetheless, I watered it and set it

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-51352732209738384172010-02-16T22:01:00.004-05:002010-02-16T22:20:28.362-05:00

On Christmas Eve, we attended services at the Latvian Lutheran Church where Erik's mother is a member. The sermon was in Latvian and I was very distracted by a hungry and tired toddler, but I caught the main message in the pastor's summary in English. She talked to us about the Joy that came into the world when Jesus was born. He was the physical presence of God and in whose presence we find true

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-2127122724485274282010-02-16T14:55:00.002-05:002010-02-16T15:32:51.732-05:00

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-46548987845314692092010-02-13T12:45:00.002-05:002010-02-13T12:48:55.660-05:00

Ok, this time I measured the flour precisely, but forgot to let the leaven cool at the right time and it didn't ferment enough. Plus, my timing was off so I was kneading bread at midnight. I also suspect that my buttermilk was too pasteurized. I think I'll try making my own buttermilk, or get some raw buttermilk made locally. This sourdough thing is really challenging, which is probably why

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-4221171842366182492010-02-12T10:10:00.002-05:002010-02-12T12:39:15.083-05:00

In many ways, my life has been characterized by alternating periods of extreme loneliness and times living in community. When I was about four years old my family lived in a large house with two other families. I loved having all those kids to play with and extra aunties around. Then my family moved to rural Minnesota outside of Fargo, ND. We enjoyed the extra space in which we had to play, but

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-35107714890973190842010-02-12T09:42:00.002-05:002010-02-12T09:48:50.493-05:00

Who knew that fermenting rye smells like dog puke. When Erik woke up to the putrid smell, he was about to scold the dog for making a mess in the house. The sourdough grew out of the bowl and oozed all over the oven. Good thing I had wrapped it in a towel. Yuck.I made a flour miscalculation, however, and the finished dough never rose. I went over my calculations and corrected the error in the

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-2214436286682450592010-02-10T16:03:00.011-05:002010-02-11T12:50:23.214-05:00

Traditional Latvian Sourdough Rye An AdventureThe recipe has some places of vagueness. All the traditional recipes that I have tried thus far have been a little vague. I think that is because these recipes are passed from grandmother to mother to daughter and have a bit of variation and imprecision. Were I a traditional woman I would have grown up making with my mother and grandmother, but, alas,

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-34888560042811497512010-02-03T16:38:00.002-05:002010-02-03T16:48:56.727-05:00

When Asha arrived to the US, she was a mere 15.4 pounds and 29 inches tall. Last week she was 22 pounds and 33 inches tall. She went from barely a size 3 shoe to a size 5.5. She knew no words and now she speaks in small sentences. She could hardly walk, now we can't slow her down to a walk. She was scared of all water, even the bathtub and now she jumps fearlessly into the swimming pool at the

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-57982460913441138302010-01-26T19:42:00.004-05:002010-01-26T20:27:31.100-05:00

Today marks six months together with Asha. Life today is radically different than life a year ago. A year ago we had been in this house for only a week. I was lonely and depressed, wondering what in the world we were doing in this small, freezing cold town in rural Pennsylvania. Now, I have a very full house! In addition to Erik and Asha, we also have a family of three staying with us in our very

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-15640165436987343962010-01-10T08:49:00.005-05:002010-01-10T08:56:00.876-05:00

I never thought in my life I'd say, "You know what this recipe is missing? Devil's dung, that's what!" I made this recipe, but I added some lemon and Devil's dung (also sold as Asafoetida) and it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!Anjum Anand: Spinach and Lentil Curry

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-39827164206152411352009-12-20T14:40:00.003-05:002009-12-20T15:04:17.925-05:00

I've been enjoying the posts over at The Inspired Room. She has inspired me in my homemaking, organization and goal setting. She has a beautiful post about her Twelve Months of Goals. I really like the way she approaches it and I will follow her lead:January: Outer PeaceRight now I'm trying to organize not only the physical items in my house, but also the way I run through my days. My life feels

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-88979897900735724132009-12-19T19:22:00.002-05:002009-12-19T19:30:51.215-05:00

Keeping house is very hard for me because I do not do well with schedules, routines, and I lack a great deal of self-motivation for unpleasant, tedious tasks. On the other hand, when I am excited about something there is no stopping me. So, in my vocation as a homemaker, I need to find projects that excite me otherwise I will go completely mad. I've been organizing closets lately and making them

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-17801915224563142152009-12-10T15:05:00.002-05:002009-12-10T16:54:40.798-05:00

Being married to Erik has not only made me a better person, but a neater person. To quote my brother, "I am a neat person trapped in a messy person's body." I am not naturally tidy, but I feel better in a tidy room. In fact, I'm surprised that my darling husband agreed to make a home with me after seeing the disaster in which I dwelt when we met. He must have been overcome by my charms. Since

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-61945125163700953212009-11-28T10:41:00.004-05:002009-11-28T21:16:33.542-05:00

Something changed after Asha's Baptism. The ceremony was like a wedding. Our closest friends and family were present, Asha wore a beautiful white gown. The reception was a simple soup lunch at our home. It was a wonderful day. After the minister poured the water over Asha's head and made the sign of the Cross over her, something happened. Something real, something spiritual, something

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-12484479302543426032009-11-28T09:41:00.006-05:002009-11-29T00:07:04.159-05:00

Removed temporarily for editing.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-17397744994482012122009-11-28T09:04:00.003-05:002009-11-28T09:34:58.137-05:00

Asha Srushti has been with us four months now. It's hard to believe how tiny and frail she was upon arrival. Today she successfully took off her footie pajamas all by herself for the first time, revealing a toddler's body that is strong and muscular. She is still very lean, but her cheeks are round and rosey. She can point to her elbow and her navel. Navels are especially exciting and beware

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-59704018837372179992009-10-31T20:32:00.003-04:002009-11-03T19:47:02.123-05:00

A fair maiden, the hunchback and a wee little fairy!

Erik Iranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03197027662550084329noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-15707674580457023762009-10-21T09:07:00.004-04:002009-10-21T09:21:00.303-04:00

Days Four, Five and SixOK, so I took two days off. Yesterday was a beautiful day! It was a perfect October Tuesday. The air was crisp, but not cold and the sun was out. We went on our usual route with a little more spring in my step. My knee started hurting at the end, which alarmed me a bit. With all the pain I've had in my life, my knees NEVER bother me. They are the one part of me that don't

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-72782461363687720092009-10-17T10:35:00.006-04:002009-10-21T09:21:19.151-04:00

Day Two and ThreeI wasn't as sore from yesterday's run as I thought I'd be. My calves were stiff and some of the muscles in my feet felt like they had worked in a way that they never had, but I was pleased that my usually sore hips and shins were doing ok. Also, the insides of my elbows were sore. Perhaps it was from keeping them too rigid while pushing the stroller? (Keep in mind that I also

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-84010278125319990292009-10-15T10:30:00.007-04:002009-10-21T09:20:42.170-04:00

Day OneNow that I have my footgloves, the babyjogger, and rain cover for the babyjogger, I have no excuses not to get out there. Today, I awoke to a dreary, rainy 39degree day. Seriously? I'm going to start my barefoot running experiment today? I geared up with a rain jacket and turtlefur ninja hat, pulled on my footgloves, dressed the baby in warm clothes, strapped her into the stroller, affixed

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-19566938758391016422009-10-09T08:56:00.002-04:002009-10-09T09:08:38.722-04:00

For our anniversary, I got Erik his most favorite thing in the whole world: ice cream cake! Even at our wedding we had two ice cream cakes stacked together for our wedding cake. He couldn't resist sampling the frosting before we got out the camera. That's OK, it's his anniversary!

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-58731839807395675442009-10-08T12:29:00.003-04:002009-10-08T12:44:57.930-04:00

Erik and I have been married four years ago today! In four short years we have been through a lot together. We've had three home addresses and I've had four studio addresses and am now studio-less. We've been on numerous fun trips. And we have adopted a child from India. The thing that stands out to me the most, however, is the day-to-day joy that we find in one another. We joke about the one

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-23687282123749937152009-10-05T08:41:00.003-04:002009-10-05T10:17:01.654-04:00

I take the doctrine of vocation very seriously. For most of my life my primary vocation was as a student. In fact, all but the first five years of my life and three years after Hillsdale College have I *not* been a student. Since I'm still working on my MA thesis, I'm still a student. Most of those years as a student were to prepare me for my adult life. I have known since I was a small child

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-55742371146541956512009-10-01T10:29:00.004-04:002009-10-01T14:17:11.809-04:00

We took Asha to the pediatrician the on Tuesday, nine weeks after her arrival. I cannot believe she's only been here nine weeks. It feels like a thousand weeks since this summer. The leaves are already turning, the days are getting shorter and the heat is on. Asha is doing very well and growing at a fantastic rate. She has grown two inches, gained three pounds (and mommy lost three!), and her

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-41020053769136984822009-09-29T15:38:00.003-04:002009-09-29T15:43:57.409-04:00

Baptism is a great mystery. It is a mystery that we encounter in reverence and with joy. It is faith that saves us, but faith is a gift of God, freely given. It does not come by understanding, by knowledge, or by our own good deeds. Likewise, Baptism is a free gift, given generously by a God who dearly loves His children.For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-35051698607933282152009-09-27T16:44:00.006-04:002009-09-27T22:40:37.671-04:00

It's coming up on one year the day that Erik came to work in Pennsylvania, September 30th, 2008. That day radically changed our lives. I remember that summer I had no work at the studio and was collapsing underneath the pressure of studio rent and debts. I took out a loan to survive the summer that was just paid off two months ago. I was desperate for work, so I took a small job doing a sculpture

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-24990758196048321152009-09-22T09:42:00.003-04:002009-09-22T09:49:51.068-04:00

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-75644918219378206662009-09-21T21:36:00.005-04:002009-09-22T10:09:09.961-04:00

Asha is carrying her two babies in mommy's sling while also wearing her doggie backpack. "Backpack" and "baby" are words she can now say!Asha is the Queen of the Tupperware drawer!Look at my crown!

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-21157318596501191022009-09-21T12:29:00.005-04:002009-09-21T13:33:51.806-04:00

We're preparing to have Asha baptized in October. As we move towards that date, I've been praying, reading and thinking a lot about Baptism. I read a new book by Kelly Klages, a friend and fellow artist, that is available on-line. It's called "Water with the Word: A Baptism Q and A." No matter your tradition, this book brings up a lot of things to think about regarding Baptism. The opening

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-50149223906349865462009-09-19T08:54:00.001-04:002009-09-19T08:56:25.656-04:00

Asha is learning new words with her books from Nana and Papa.She's pretty excited about her new skills.

Erik Iranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03197027662550084329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-70848987195021175032009-09-19T08:52:00.001-04:002009-09-19T08:54:09.092-04:00

Erik Iranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03197027662550084329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-75506866355580926212009-09-11T13:12:00.002-04:002009-09-11T13:14:26.233-04:00

We're having a vocabulary explosion over here! Today Asha said "bow" and "blue." We put a bow in her hair and bought blue paint! She also can say her name, but she has a hard time with "sh" so she says "Ahh-ta!" Imagine her trying to say "Srushti." Adults cannot even say it.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-3338509975242541522009-09-08T13:18:00.005-04:002009-09-08T13:25:31.973-04:00

Asha busted out some new works yesterday: "Bird" and "dog." She does, however, point to a picture of a bear in one of her animal books and say, "DA-JEE!" which is what she calls her dad. We're a little puzzled because her father looks very little like a grizzly bear. She makes the sounds of a duck, a turkey, and a lion. The lion sound is similar to a kitten sound as well. Da-jee the bear.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-10859723920848038282009-09-07T11:21:00.000-04:002009-09-07T11:25:59.334-04:00

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-66002106517949415372009-09-07T10:39:00.002-04:002009-09-07T10:44:13.417-04:00

The Irani family spotted at the zoo. Nana and Papa Hempel met us at the zoo. Asha wanted nothing to do with the stroller and walked up and down the paths at the zoo. How did she get so much energy? Auntie Grace and Reed rode with us on the choo-choo.Asha met a new friend at the zoo.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-20459680578719985702009-09-07T09:52:00.004-04:002009-09-07T11:27:38.831-04:00

Asha Srushti has been here six weeks as of Tuesday. We're starting to get into a rhythm a little bit at home, but we're also seeing all the attachment work we still have to do. All of the attachment in adoption literature we've read describes the child who is obviously resisting affectionate touch, who is withdrawn, who won't make eye contact, etc. Usually one or two sentences are offered for the

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-66582697504657006322009-09-03T11:34:00.005-04:002009-09-03T12:55:14.518-04:00

Explaining the attachement process to family, friends and random strangers who want to pick up our baby has been one of the challenges about being an adoptive family. I found this great list on another adoptive family blog, who got it from another. I think it's a pretty good list!Do1. Offer household help (running errands, preparing meals that can go right from the freezer to the oven, etc.) so

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-82178544185216235052009-08-23T15:27:00.003-04:002009-08-23T15:34:11.000-04:00

Asha really, really loves corn on the cob. She'll eat it cooked or raw, she doesn't care. She also ate some red meat for the first time! She has discerning tastes; all of the chicken we've offered has been rejected, but the lamb kabobs covered in garlic and rosemary were a bit hit. She is a good eater and we're hoping for some good, healthy weight gain over the next months.Mommies also need a

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-56917664038240211792009-08-23T10:17:00.002-04:002009-08-23T10:18:14.750-04:00

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-65114475016235578982009-08-17T20:46:00.002-04:002009-08-17T20:51:31.325-04:00

We made our living room as child-friendly as possible. We have several woven baskets filled with blocks, balls and plush toys. There are several children's books in here, too. I also tend to leave my laptop in the living room. Attached to my laptop is a mini-optical mouse. It has a nice red light at the bottom that is harmful when stuck on one's eye. Asha Srushti can partake of ALL the toys in

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-15489978969799838962009-08-09T20:30:00.003-04:002009-08-09T21:12:27.248-04:00

Asha Srushti IraniAfter much deliberation, we decided to name our baby Asha (pronounced AHH-Shah). We are keeping her middle name as her given Indian name, so her ful name is Asha Srushti Irani. Asha is an old Persian word for "holiness" or "that which is present when God is present." It's a common Indian name and easy for Americans to say. We were going to call her something else, but Asha

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-58007109992588528782009-08-03T20:28:00.001-04:002009-08-09T21:13:05.224-04:00

Erik Iranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03197027662550084329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-14419126398865168502009-08-03T13:55:00.002-04:002009-08-09T21:13:30.648-04:00

Erik Iranihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03197027662550084329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-22487228059475756322009-08-01T10:40:00.003-04:002009-08-01T10:46:26.147-04:00

Yesterday Srushti helped Daddy with the laundry. It seems that everything she does is cute. She goes #1 on the baby Bjorn potty, which is impressive. She enjoys magazines and wouldn't it just be fitting that she grabbed one on the way to the potty and flipped through the magazine while she went pee-pee. I laughed so hard, I nearly fell off the grown-up potty! (She likes to do what Mommy does.)

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-73078984926332998462009-07-31T08:15:00.011-04:002009-08-01T11:21:59.036-04:00

Day One: We arrived at the airport at about 5am Tuesday morning.We were so anxious as each person came through arrivals. Finally we saw a tiny girl sleepily riding in a stroller. She's so tiny, you can hardly believe that she's two. She's been living in an orphanage and though they did what they could, it's not enough for healthy development. Don't worry, we'll feed her, hug her and love her into

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-39672516107650256902009-07-23T09:17:00.003-04:002009-07-23T09:22:58.599-04:00

What has been tentative has changed yet again, but this time is firm. Srushti will arrive this Tuesday, July 28th at Newark International Airport in New Jersey. Thankfully, Erik's mother lives nearby and we'll be able to stay with her before heading back across the great state of Pennsylvania. We have a lot to do between now and then.Photographs will be forthcoming.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-52156197413692970902009-07-21T14:39:00.002-04:002009-07-21T14:39:44.693-04:00

We are making plans to pick Srushti up at the airport this SUNDAY, July 26th. Our plans are still somewhat tentative, but we are hopeful and positive!

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-17266422569513222332009-07-18T12:07:00.002-04:002009-07-18T12:07:30.711-04:00

This is agonizing. It's Saturday and we're still waiting to know WHEN Srushti will arrive.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-23988878825097567092009-07-16T10:40:00.002-04:002009-07-16T10:43:11.815-04:00

Srushti has returned to the ashram in Ahmedabad from New Delhi. The medical appointment went well and the visa interview went along fine. The embassy now mails the visa to the ashram, so we have to wait for that to arrive before we can make travel arrangements.I'm doing all those things that mothers do right before labor starts: home repairs. I'm painting all those places that will be hard to

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-22509849351727266102009-07-10T11:31:00.004-04:002009-07-10T13:42:52.273-04:00

It has been a bumpy week. We've been up late. We've cried. We've looked to God for guidance. We've begged Him to bring our daughter home soon. It's as though we've been in labor.The last word from our adoption agency is that Srushti has an appointment at the Embassy on July 15th, which means she can fly home about five days later. Anything can happen in India, but we are holding fast that things

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-74815056218759931862009-07-07T12:04:00.006-04:002009-07-07T12:28:39.602-04:00

Our hearts were dashed when we first called India and thought we had to wait another month to get a visa appointment at the embassy in New Delhi. I felt like I had been punched in the stomach and all the air was thrust out of me. I have to be honest, that I was pretty angry with God. This experience has exposed the pagan within me and shed light on the lies I believe about Him. I was angry

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-36706373908056243822009-07-06T08:36:00.003-04:002009-07-06T08:42:38.676-04:00

Every bit of paperwork that comes through we think is the lynch pin. "Once we have this, she'll be here." Right? Not the case. We stayed up late calling the US Embassy in India last night. The visa processing center is only only from 10am until noon, India time. That's 12:30am - 2:30am our time. After several frustrating attempts to get though. "Oh yes, the visa was sent electronically from the

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-49324674815300139262009-07-04T22:54:00.006-04:002009-11-20T15:28:48.563-05:00

Finishing TouchesThe contractors have finished the job and now it is our turn to dig into the garden and re-arrange plantings! We had a wonderful day in the garden today moving hostas and ferns to the area once occupied by overgrown bushes.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-86477882032764964942009-07-03T08:56:00.003-04:002009-07-03T09:03:36.937-04:00

I cannot believe it actually worked. I have achieved yogurt. I am so excited, I'm jumping around the kitchen yelling, "I DID IT! MY CREATION LIVES! IT'S ALIVE!" I also finally found a use for alll that cheesecloth.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-70878024790409233322009-07-02T14:14:00.003-04:002009-07-02T14:23:35.372-04:00

I started with a half gallon jug of fresh, raw milk from Dean Farms in nearby New Castle. I got the yogurt cultures from Natural Options, the health and wellness center in Grove City. After scooping off a dollup of cream for my coffee, I gently shook the jug to mix the cream with the rest of the milk. I followed the instructions on the back of the packette, but since I didn't have a thermometer,

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-74391456218090339402009-07-02T08:00:00.002-04:002009-11-20T16:11:29.595-05:00

Rained OutIronically enough, many of the members on our crew are actually working on the television show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, which is filming in Erie right now. We've lost some crew members to that as well as to the rain. They are inches from being done. Nonetheless, the house looks fantastic and we are feeling really good about it.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-70723369120737632492009-07-02T07:54:00.003-04:002009-07-02T08:00:24.380-04:00

[argh] We received approval from the Department of Homeland Security and got a form that allows our child to be claimed as an immediate relative. This enables her to get a visa, come to the US and become a citizen. Approval date: June 8, 2009.We were instructed to call the Visa Center in New Hampshire every day until we had confirmation that they have the paperwork. Seriously? We called over the

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-11570031010791955712009-06-29T15:34:00.004-04:002009-11-20T16:12:01.385-05:00

Day sixThe cottage before, and the cottage after. And our garage no longer looks like a set from a zombie movie.

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-65086660143641871942009-06-28T19:07:00.003-04:002009-06-29T15:34:31.401-04:00

We usually close the dining room during the summer months and open Cafe Irani, on the back porch, but our little cottage doesn't have rain protection. It's just no fun to eat in the rain. The clouds cleared enough for Erik to grill some sausages from my uncle Jeff's meat market. I steamed some artichokes as recommended by Easy as Pie. I cut up a pineapple and we had a delicious "weed salad" with

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-53235130729701075302009-06-26T12:44:00.004-04:002009-11-20T16:12:38.062-05:00

Day Five, almost doneSarah lives in a little yellow house, a little yellow house! Sarah lives in a little yellow house!

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-18629070727668131052009-06-26T08:31:00.003-04:002009-06-26T08:36:26.687-04:00

Our homeland security approval has been approved and we have permission to get a visa. That was on June 8th. We're very frustrated with how the system works. Once we got our approval, we had to call the Visa Center every day to ask "Is our visa ready?" "Is is there yet? Huh? Huh Is it there yet?" For two weeks, we got "Nope." Then last night, Erik called and the person on the other end said, "

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-62769137436077788712009-06-25T09:54:00.003-04:002009-11-20T16:13:02.146-05:00

More destruction. At least we didn't find any mold colonies!

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-27879371033242750432009-06-25T09:38:00.004-04:002009-06-25T10:02:31.631-04:00

I stuffed the fowl full of garlic, rosemary and lemon chunks, a little oil and salt and pepper on top. I didn't have any twine for trussing, but I did enjoy Easy as Pie's "How to Truss a Chicken" video. For all the work, I'm not sure it was worth it. I wasn't sure when it'd be done because it was so much smaller than a chicken, but it still took an hour. Perhaps once I get the hang of it, it'll

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-61621486884252564192009-06-24T13:34:00.004-04:002009-11-20T16:13:24.603-05:00

The During Pictures, days 1-3...The first step is to strip off the old moss-covered shingles. Ewwwww.... we found lots of rotten wood.Stripping the front.Nearly done with the front of the roof.More to come...

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-42545918661405853512009-06-24T13:22:00.005-04:002009-11-20T16:13:48.247-05:00

The Before Pictures...We bought this little 1930s cottage in the winter time with nearly four feet of snow on top. Once the snow melted and the sun came out, the foliage was completely overgrown. We cut down several bushes out front and three tall, scraggly junipers on the north side. With the overgrown junipers gone, you can see the damaged stucco to this wall. The front of the house looks much

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-14574904194777086042009-06-22T08:52:00.004-04:002009-06-22T09:01:14.079-04:00

Erik and I find ourselves stuck in a car, train or airplane together for some time quite often. The first road trip we ever took was a twelve hour drive from Frederick to Chicago when we were just a courtin'. It was a good test for our budding relationship: can you stand this person for twelve hours in a car? What's more, what if that person passes gas in the enclosed cab? We knew after that long

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-27044778381935487372009-06-17T10:26:00.003-04:002009-06-17T10:40:11.530-04:00

I love reading about my personality type when I'm feeling dreary about myself. I am an ENFP through and through. That's a person who is Extroverted iNtuitive Feeling and Perceiving. This is what the Personality Pages tell about people like me "ENFPs are warm, enthusiastic people, typically very bright and full of potential. They live in the world of possibilities, and can become very passionate

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-48698648826616502412009-06-16T13:04:00.001-04:002009-06-16T13:06:22.312-04:00

I've made cherry pie from scratch. I picked the cherries, pulled out the pits and worms, made a crust and baked the pie. The recipes on this blog, Easy as Pie, are actually a lot easier than that cherry pie we made last summer. Check it out!

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-77979077722498530892009-06-15T11:23:00.000-04:002009-06-15T11:26:38.030-04:00

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-22349692360246911832009-06-06T10:16:00.003-04:002009-06-06T10:45:55.818-04:00

Let me first start with gratitude. I am very grateful that we have the freedom and the means for me to not have to work a job for pay. I am grateful for the freedom that I have to jet off to see my family at nearly any time. I am grateful that the alarm clock is never on. I have an amazing and supportive husband. I have a pretty sweet life in many regards.On the other hand, I am an extrovert and

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-19236454313780771922009-06-05T10:24:00.002-04:002009-06-05T10:28:42.446-04:00

Two years ago today my daughter, Srushti, was born to another woman. Her birth mother was too impoverished to care for her so after six days, she was brought to the ashram. I thank God that she is here in the world with us and I thank Him that he has crossed our paths so that we will come together and make up a family. I am sad for her birth mother who must have grieved deeply that she could not

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-48895173928824913702009-06-03T14:52:00.002-04:002009-06-03T14:56:49.909-04:00

This isn't a real paella, but it's a bunch of leftovers mixed with rice and ultra tasty! Last night we grilled some Italian sausage and kabobs. On the kabobs I strung together vadalia onions, red peppers, pineapple chunks, and broccoli. I drizzled butter on them to make them sizzle.Back in the kitchen... In a cast iron pot I put butter, garlic and onions and cooked them down. Then I added a wild

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-13333464655969506222009-06-03T14:42:00.001-04:002009-06-03T14:43:15.284-04:00

Have you seen this? http://www.mypapercrane.com/She makes the craziest and greatest stuffed plush food. Put that on my wishlist!

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-19256268026449678362009-06-01T21:57:00.003-04:002009-06-01T22:01:32.667-04:00

This evening I wasn't sure what to make for dinner. I had some frozen salmon and some tomatoes so I did a Google search for "salmon" and "tomatoes." I tried a random recipe and it was amazingly tasty. I'll share it with you. I didn't have any parsley on hand and instead of garlic oil, I just added crushed garlic to the olive oil. It was still very, very delicious without those things. Sometimes

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-19174460466959050062009-05-30T09:30:00.004-04:002009-05-30T09:43:43.923-04:00

We've sent in all the paperwork that we need this side of Srushti's arrival. I'm sure there must be some more papers hidden in this tangled bureaucracy, though. Nonetheless, we aren't aware of any more papers. We are her legal guardians and we've petitioned to classify her as an immediate relative so that she can come to the United States. Now we go back to waiting. We go back home, work on the

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-49304680824803504482009-05-27T09:09:00.002-04:002009-05-27T09:22:31.953-04:00

Dear Srushti,You hear a lot about pushing when a mommy goes into labor. It is hard work to push a baby out. For us, we have to do a lot of paperwork instead. This week, we're doing one more push and you should be home soon. Governments work hard to keep you safe. There are a lot of evil people in the world who make money by selling children. It is hard to believe that anyone would commit evil

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-43675975941144601012009-05-26T09:54:00.003-04:002009-05-26T10:04:04.215-04:00

At last, we have received copies of Srushti's court documents from India! We have it in writing now that we are her official guardians. Seeing it written there in black and white really penetrated my heart. There it is: our names next to her name. Our names will be united forever and this is where it starts. We'll take these documents, along with some others that we provide to the immigration

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-86380753261177553302009-05-22T09:43:00.002-04:002009-05-22T09:53:27.023-04:00

Dear Srushti,I have never met you, dear child, but I already love you. I am so crazy about you. I know that God has chosen you to be my child and for me to be your mommy. I also know that God has good things planned for his children. My heart aches until the day we can meet face-to-face. I remember talking to a man several years ago who said that his heart ached for Jesus. He said that it was

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-19700499097143542982009-05-18T08:27:00.006-04:002009-05-19T21:22:33.292-04:00

The hardest part about being a mother has nothing to do with diapers or sleep deprivation, but rather that now your heart now walks around on the outside of you, vulnerable. There are many things in this world that a mother, even the best, most well-intentioned mother cannot protect her children from. And a sword will pierce your own soul, too.One thing I love about our new neighborhood is that

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-80517017526718732422009-05-16T15:28:00.002-04:002009-05-16T15:36:44.443-04:00

I saw an ad for a dinner that my new city was hosting for "Working Women" back in April. The dinner was in celebration of "Administrative Professionals Day" and to honor the rest of the women in the workplace as well. "All working women are invited to attend in honor of all that you do each and every day..."My inner feminist was enraged by the disregard to women who work without pay, ie. women

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5959245.post-50594385019991171352009-05-16T11:51:00.002-04:002009-05-16T11:53:11.118-04:00

Our foyer transforms from beautiful entry way... ... to an instant art studio!

Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18122162947646462967noreply@blogger.com2