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confession....I fall asleep after reading 2 pages of a book

The above statement is true, but I did finish a book recently that was an engaging read. For those interested in apologetics or defense of the Christian worldview on secular grounds, I highly recommend Life After Death by Dinesh D'Souza. I could not put this book down during the course of the week or so that I read it. This book touches on recent research in various scientific fields in order to test the hypothesis that there is life after death. I thank my friend Sam for the recommendation. Check it out!

Confession...

I REALLY do not like poetry.  This statement is most likely appalling to my sister-in-law (sorry Holly)!  It's true though, when I read a book and it includes a long poem (or even a short poem), I will routinely skip it.  I admit that I'm embarrassed by my lack of culture and refinement, so I'm determined to make a change.  Recently, I rented a movie (from the library of course!) that inspired me to turn over a new leaf in my literary ventures...

The movie:  Bright Star



image source:  flickr.com



The Cannes Film Festival describes Bright Star: 

"Director Jane Campion has a knack for portraying female characters so intimately that she seems to get beneath their skin. She does it again in Bright Star, an exquisite piece of film-making about the doomed romance between the poet John Keats and his neighbour Fanny Brawne."

**You can read the rest of the review here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/cannes-film-festival/5329970/Cannes-2009-Bright-Star-review.html. 

I must agree (though I'm no film critic) that it is a beautiful movie that inspired me to check out this book from the library:



image source:  http://www.marelibri.com/



Currently, I am reading:

image source:  goodreads.com

I recently completed: 

image source:  nantucketmuseumshop.org

Needless to say, reading Keats will surely be a shock after my journey into the era of organized crime and my exhilarating adventures aboard a brutal whaleship.  We will see how it goes!

Any poetry suggestions?

It's a girl!

Forest and I went to the doctor today for our "big ultrasound".  We found out that our little Dutton is a girl!  We are thrilled!  She looks like a healthy little gal!

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward"

Psalm 127:3

 Our family.

St. Augustine and high kicks!

Forest and I spent a glorious long weekend in St. Augustine with our cousins.  Brantlee and Sarah were very gracious hosts to us, and I had a blast catching up with Marcie and Michele.  We have a few pictures to share from our trip.  Enjoy!  

Also, the high kicks are from the baby not from me!  Forest actually felt our little one kick today.  What a precious gift from the Lord!

The trip down took a little longer than expected.  Just a little traffic on I-95.

 We spent some time browsing the farmers market on Saturday.

Sarah, Michele, and Marcie. 

 Touring the town of St. Augustine.

 Brantlee and Sarah took us to this wonderful restaurant.  The food was really fresh and delicious.  I had a salad with marinated peaches, sweet potatoes, pulled chicken, pecans, and a lemon basil vinaigrette.  I highly recommend this place!

 This is actually from our detour through Charleston, SC.  For some reason, we thought it was a good idea to pose near the graves.

 Forest...reading...aka napping.

 Brantlee showing off his skating skills.

 Forest doing some trick with a hard name that I cannot remember.

 It's a dolphin!  Florida did not disappoint.  We saw a few groups of dolphins during our visit.  

 Hanging ten.

By request...

18 1/2 weeks

By special request (my mom), here is a photo of the belly aka. "Ms. Amanda ate too much soup".

Spinach Bacon Quiche

This recipe is one of Forest's favorites.  We make it often!  I created this recipe from a variety of other quiche recipes.  Hope you like it!


Spinach Bacon Quiche


6 slices cooked bacon
10 oz. fresh baby spinach (or you can use thawed frozen)
1/4 cup mayo
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs beaten (or egg substitute)
1 T. cornstarch
1/3 cup diced green onion
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
dash black pepper
1 9" deep dish pie shell (pre-cooked according to package)


Pre-heat oven to 350º F. Pre-cook pie shell according to package directions.  I usually use the Publix brand refrigerated pie crusts and pre-cook the crust for about 10 minutes in a 350º oven.


Cook bacon.  Crumble when cool.


While bacon is cooking, wilt spinach in skillet over medium heat.  I use a little sprinkle of oil in the pan.  If using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze spinach dry.


In a large bowl blend mayo, sour cream, milk, eggs, and corn starch.


Combine remaining ingredients and pour into pre-cooked pie crust.


Bake at 350º for 45 minutes or center is cooked-through.