Continuing Education

So, I have a bit of free time on my hands now and have enjoyed taking a few classes. I recently took a Vietnamese cooking class. We made fresh spring rolls, a delicious beef salad and Hanoi spare rib soup with rice noodles. It was all yummy and spicy thanks to the Sriracha hot chili sauce. A staple in any Asian dish!

I took an icing and cupcake decorating class. It was so much fun. We made chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, buttercream and coffee-flavored buttercream. Who doesn't love a sweet little cupcake?

I took a cooking class at a culinary studio. We made some traditional dishes. Char Kuay Teow is a mix of Malaysian/Chinese cuisine with noodles, onions, shrimp, egg and sprouts. We also made a Chinese chicken and rice dish with ginger, soy and chili dipping sauces. For this class, I received a certificate, chef's hat and apron. I think I'll hang the certificate in my kitchen!

Hess wives

 

I also took a drawing class. This is my friend Anissa and I drawing our hands. We look kind of silly, but it was an exercise in "seeing" before we really got started.

 

 

  

Hard at work



I chose an octopus for my ink drawing

Here is my finished project!

 

I think it turned out really well for my 1st attempt at trying something new.  I was able to work on it for a little while, then come back to it later. I think I'll try some different animals and scenery. Maybe even some colored pens would add a nice touch. I was needing a creative outlet and this is pretty fun! Ok, so it's really just doodling, but it's doodling with a purpose and it makes me happy.

Do you doodle? Do you want to try something new?

What makes you happy? Have you thought about taking a class?

April Happenings

Ryan and our buddy, Max

I Brought The Awesome, What Did You Bring?

 

I love this picture! It really makes me smile. This is our friend Max and Ryan visited him while he was in Houston recently. For the last 7 months, Max has bravely been fighting DSRCT, a rare childhood cancer. At this time, he has no tumors. Praise God for a miracle! He has just started 4 weeks of radiation. We pray daily for Max for him to be strong and courageous and for complete healing. We love you, Max! He has shown so many people the power of prayer and faithfulness.

You really did bring the awesome!

 

Happy Easter!

 Brady was so excited for Easter goodies that he didn't even have time to take off his backpack.

 

Hiking with Mason's class at the FRIM

 We were eaten alive by mosquitos, but apart from that we had a fun time.

Mason and Gabriel

Matthew, Mason and Gabriel -The Three Musketeers