Whoa. We did NOT realize how tired we were!
Obviously, our bodies had to come down from all the stress…but going back and forth – between time zones – really does some funny things to you!
We still eat breakfast at 10:00 sometimes…but, summer, right? 😉
There are still piles in the dining room, there are still some things we can’t find, BUT – we did find and return EVERY SINGLE book, playaway, and dvd to the library!! That felt like quite an accomplishment!
Our house survived and is doing well. (Thanks to friends who kept an eye on things while we were gone!) We caught up on a few doctor’s appointments and got back to our normal eating habits.
Back to life. Back to reality.
There was so much going on, in anticipation of the trip, that we didn’t have time to plan a lot for August. So, we are trying to soak up every ounce of these days left with the boys, before they head off to school. The slow pace is nice and it gives us time to look for the beauty in each day.
Plus, the extra time allowed Joe to enroll in a Level II Firefighter class that he’s wanted to take for a quite awhile. Typically, the class runs for months, but starting in the beginning of August (right after we got home) they offered a “Crash Course” for the class that only lasts three and a half weeks! They are long days for Joe (and super hot!) but completing the class will provide opportunities for him, in the future, at our beloved Hereford Fire Station. (Plus, it’s amazing what you can handle after walking the streets of Arizona in 118 degree heat!)
One bit of unfinished business from the trip, though, was that the boys wanted to try sushi somewhere along the way. I had a bad sushi experience in my 20’s – which kind of ruined me – so it’s not part of our normal rotation here at home. But I love their adventurous attitudes toward it, so we were sure to make it happen for them! A few nights ago, along with our regular Chinese order, we got a sampling of sushi on the side: California roll, cucumber roll, and shrimp tempura roll.
Even Daddy got in on the action!
It was so fun to watch and experience it with them! Our hope is to raise strong and courageous boys. Trying new foods is a small way to exercise those skills with little risk. Love it.
And even I, yes, Karen Raab, put my Post-Traumatic Sushi Disorder aside and tried the Cucumber Roll. I liked it!!
(No pics, because I was holding the camera, but Joe is my witness!)
So we are settling in, settling down, and taking it one day at a time. It can sometimes feel a little too quiet…after such a wild ride…but I am committed to continuing to spread the love!
Obviously, we didn’t watch any t.v. for over a month, so we are still getting caught up. Some of you may have seen this already, but if not, do yourself the favor. I DARE you not to smile while watching it! This brought joy and laughter to The Raab Four this week…and I hope it does the same for you.
(20 minutes, kid-friendly 😉 )
| A cheerful heart is good medicine. – Proverbs 17:22 |
The Raab Four 
I’m glad to hear of your culinary adventurousness. Next time you may want to try Sashimi. I enjoy it since I don’t care for the variety of rice used in most sushi. Sashimi is easy to make at home. (I learned while I was stationed in the Hawaiian islands.)
Here’s how.
Select your fish. Traditionally, sashimi is made with Ahi (Tuna) but any fish with a firm meat will work. Obviously, fresh fish is best, but frozen Ahi steaks work fine and are easy to find at your local supermarket. (Even here in Iowa-LOL.)
Cut the fish into bite sized chunks. (TIP: If you are using frozen fish, slice it while it is still partly frozen.)
Fan out the sliced fish on a bed of shredded cabbage for a nice presentation. Alongside the fish, place a dab of Chinese style hot mustard in a condiment cup and a small dish of soy sauce.
At the table, mix some soy with the mustard to create a light dipping sauce. (More or less soy to taste) Now, pick up a piece of fish, dip it and pop it into your mouth for a wonderful flavor experience. Serve with your favorite beverage.
Enjoy!
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