Two Special Meals

Jim and I got to go on a date night last night and had a great time talking through things and just spending time together.  Today, we had Jim's chaplain assistant, Andrea, and her son over for lunch.  We are enjoying these precious times together!

Breakfast Today - Almond Danish Swirls

 

6 oz cream cheese, softened

1 tsp. almond extract

½ c. confectioner’s sugar

½ c. slivered almonds, chopped finely

2 (8oz) cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

1 egg white

1 tsp. water

Glaze:

½ c. confectioner’s sugar

4 tsp. milk

½ tsp. almond extract

In small bowl, beat cream cheese, almond extract, and sugar till fluffy.  Fold half of chopped almonds into the cream cheese mixture.  Separate 1 can of dough and assemble into 4 rectangles.  Firmly press perforations to seal. Press or roll each piece of dough to form 7X4 inch rectangle, spread each with 2 Tbsp. cream cheese filling to within ¼ inch of edges.  Starting at short end, roll each rectangle tightly into a cylinder. Repeat with other can of dough and remaining filling.  Place on plate, cover with plastic, chill till firm (30 min.).  Preheat oven to 350* Remove from fridge, cut rolls into 4 slices.  Place ½ inch apart on ungreased baking sheet.  In small bowl, combine egg white and 1 tsp. water.  Brush over swirls and sprinkle with remaining chopped almonds.  Bake 18-20 minutes until light brown.  While swirls bake, combine glaze ingred. in small bowl.  Cool swirls for 3 min. on wire racks placed over wax paper.  Drizzle icing over warm swirls.

The Count Down Begins

To help Margo count down the days until Daddy deploys, we made a paper chain with the last one being the day that he deploys.  Each morning she's able to take off another link and I think it has helped her make a more tangible way of knowing when he will leave and she actually enjoys the count down.  In trying to get good lighting this morning I had Margo stand next to the window and behind her were Jim's bags... It was a sobering reminder that, yes, he is leaving but we're trying to make the best of it. :) 

What He Does

I know that Jim wouldn't want me to praise him like this, but I really am so proud of what he does and how the Lord is using him.  He has been amazing at staying available for the troops, sacrificing so that he can be available and minister to where they are. He has recently been able to pray over soldiers and families as they say farewell and deploy.  I am so proud of how he cares for others in the midst of facing it himself.

Sunday = One Week

Sunday makes for one last week together.  We enjoyed our last Sunday at chapel as a family.

Just Us

One of Jim and my favorite things to do together is go hiking.  We've had some great talks and some great times together.  Today was one of those days.  Margo spent a day with one of her friends and Jim, Carolina, and I got to spend the day at Dunbar Caves that has a trail around some wooded areas.  It's getting down to the last days together before Jim deploys and I'm enjoying every moment we can get together!

A faint rainbow above the tree line on our way to Dunbar Caves

On our way to a hike!

Jim's favorite duck :)

Karate

We got to visit Margo's friend, Ben's, karate class this morning.  Margo loved watching Ben and spending a little time afterward playing together!  We get some funds for Margo to do activities on and off post and are looking into some fun activities Margo can do while Jim is away.  It may not be too long before you see her in a white belt. :)

For Miss Sallie Anne!

Margo went on a "Daddy date" about a week ago after she got a card from Miss Sallie Anne, our hairdresser and friend, with a Chick-fil-a gift card.  Jim took this picture on his phone with some good CFA food and the card Sallie Anne sent with the front picture looking a lot like Allie - her sweet collie!  We were missing her today when we went to get Margo's hair cut and didn't have her sweet little shop to go to...

Bicycle!

Jim got Margo a bike for a deployment/birthday gift!   She was so excited and ready to get right on the road with it.  She's already doing great, getting a little nervous going down hills, but steering and pedaling like a pro!

 

A Haircut!

Tilting her head to get a good cut

My blue eyed girl!

Reading about gymnast Gabby Douglas :)

All done - with barrette and lollipop!

Ballet - first time on the bar!

Stretches to warm up

Instructions from Ms. Ruth at the bar!

Listening intently to what to do

Tiptoe stance at the bar.

Getting the right form at the bar

More bar work!

My sweet ballerina!

She loves her class and is doing great!