Dear Case,

You were born a little nuts.  I mean it.  We're Walkers.  We're relatively, I don't know...reserved?  Okay, maybe not once you get to know us, but to the general observing eye, we're pretty...boring.  But not you.  Before you could walk you were schmoozing the masses, climbing on furniture, and demanding attention.  We'd go to parks when you were a toddler and before I'd know it some six or seven year old kid would be dragging you around saying "This is my friend James" or "Toby" or "Gertrude".  You couldn't yet talk clearly enough for anyone to know exactly who you were, but it didn't matter.  You answered to whatever they called you, did stunts to earn their applause, and smiled non-stop from ear to ear.  To this day you ooze confidence and charisma.

God gives good gifts.  Among other things, He's gifted you with a ready smile and friendly ways.  Dad and I pray that you will always use these gifts to His glory.  Remember that who you are is only because of Who He is.  Of course, I'm exceedingly thankful that God made you the way He did.  You're a goofy kid who makes us smile, is always ready with a hug, sparks our imaginations, loves Christ, and delights in babies and the elderly alike.  You are all Walker, and yet you're a little more comfortable and a little less serious than the rest of us.

My continued prayer for you is that you never allow your charisma to become arrogance or your confidence pride.  Remember your salvation. You're a redeemed worm.  Of course, you're a worm that God created just a bit crazier than the rest of us.  Peanut, I'm thankful you're just a little nuts! 

Dear Kevers,

Your first Sunday at church found you dangling from Dad's arm in a baby carrier.  I'm relatively certain that Dad let not one guest or regular attendee leave that service without acknowledging you with at least a friendly glance. Beaming from ear to ear he would literally shove the carrier in front of women making their ways to seats or men gathering their own children before the morning welcome.  He was so proud of his first born son!  He still is.  And so am I. 

What a help you have become in our home.  Whether it's repairing a broken fence, fixing a computer problem, locking up the house at night, putting your hand on my arm when you sense I might need a little encouragement, reading the Word in Dad's absence, shoveling gravel, or folding loads of laundry, you have become an uncomplaining, Godly young man.  

Dad and I are both first borns and understand the unique challenge of shouldering a bit more responsibility, the desire to please, and the blessings and curses of being the guinea pig.   And yet, we've often forgotten these challenges when parenting you.  Too often we expect much and praise little.  Frequently we talk excessively and listen in moderation. 

But I will not let today go by without telling you that I delight in seeing Jesus in you.  As you grow more in love with the Lord I marvel at the joy of being both your earthly mother and your eternal sister in Christ.  I am proud of who the Lord has created you to be and I can't wait to see your continued spiritual growth as you serve Him. 

Never forget for Whom you live.  This life is not your own, dear son.  I love you.  Lots.

Steve's working on raising masculine boys...thus, the woodworking projects, manual labor, and auto mechanics lessons.  I'm working on raising sons who can bless wives who might like a break due to sickness, fatigue, or just pure gentlemanly love...thus, laundering reminders, toilet-seat instructions (the lid goes down!), and cooking tips. 

Last week the boys and I began a more intensive course of study for cooking and are, so far,  thoroughly enjoying our Cooking 101 DVDs and book.  Chef Jean-Pierre keeps the boys (and me) laughing...(with a thick French accent) "should we throw these mussels out jes because they're open? Nuh! They mey be sleepin'!" (smacking two mussels together) "Hallo!  Are you sleepin'?  Hallo!  See!  See!  She closes!  She jes sleepin'!  (smack) Why do I say 'she'? (smack)  How do I know it is not a 'he'?  I am going to have to read that it one of my books.  I do not know this!"

This week the boys tested some of their new-found skills.  The boys thought I should share the recipe

Snapper and Orzo Puttanesca  

4 snapper filet, 6-8 oz. each (we substituted tilapia)

Flour seasoned with salt and pepper to dredge fish

1 Tbls. olive oil

4 Tbls. sweet butter

1/2 cup chopped onions

2 Tbls. chopped garlic

2 cups tomato concasse (I had no idea what this was until the videos.  For those of you as "clueless" as me, it's just peeled, seeded, and diced tomatoes)

2 Tbls. capers

4 finely chopped anchovies (I know it's weird to think about putting fish on top of fish, but it's tasty)

1 tsp. chopped rosemary

1 tsp. chopped thyme

1 cup vegetable or chicken stock

2 Tbls. chopped parsley

salt and pepper

Dredge the snapper in the seasoned flour.  Heat the olive oil and 2 Tbls. of sweet butter in a saute pan.  When hot, add the onions and cook until translucent  Add the garlic and when fragrant, add the tomato concasse, capers, anchovies, rosemary, thyme, and stock.  Let reduce for 2 minutes.  Add 2 Tbls. more butter (I think the boys skipped this step in an effort to make it less fattening for Mom--I'm not sure that's a compliment ) and chopped parsley.  Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.  Serve on a bed of orzo.