so much pain...

Why is there so much pain in this world?  So much suffering and loss?

Why do babies have to leave this earth before they even get to take their first breath or gaze into their mother's eyes?

Why can't we stop this suffering?

Sometimes I just can't handle the pain and suffering this life contains.  

My heart aches for the deep loss a friend is feeling as her baby girl is now waiting for her in heaven...  when she never even got to look into her eyes or feel her soft breath on her cheek.

23 weeks was too early for little Hannah Marie...  and so her mama grieves.

I wish I could take her pain away.  I wish I could heal her hurt and bring her baby girl back to her.

But all I can do is pray.  Cry with her...  mourn with her...  and pray for her.

God, bring peace to her heart.  Hold her in Your strong arms and bless her abundantly.  Please, Lord.

(image source)

pasta with browned butter sauce

I haven't had to cook much at all on our vacation so far.  Only one dish, twice actually.

Tortellini with Browned Butter Sauce.

There's really nothing better than a rich, caramel-y, salty butter sauce drizzled over filled pasta...  cheese tortellini, chicken & spinach ravioli...  whatever kind you like.

We bought a big package of fresh tortellini at Costco here in Maui and not having many ingredients around to work with, I knew this browned butter sauce had to be it and it was a hit!

(image source...)  

I'll update this post with my own picture as soon as I get a chance!

Pasta with Browned Butter Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:
1 package filled pasta
1 cup butter
salt, to taste

Directions:
Cook the pasta according to package directions and drain.

While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 sticks of butter over medium heat in a large skillet.  Swirling the pan occasionally, keep an eye on it as the butter melts, then begins to foam, and then starts to turn brown.

Once the butter starts to turn brown and smell fragrant, be ready to pull it off the heat the second it turns golden brown.  (If it burns, you've pretty much got to start over!)

Pull the pan off the heat as soon as the butter is golden and immediately dump in the drained pasta.  Toss to coat and sprinkle with a bit of salt, to taste!

more favorite posts...

Since my internet's been flaky here in Maui, and I haven't posted anything new for you...  I think it's time for another little gathering of my all-time favorite blog posts from the interwebs.

These make my heart sing, and I find myself going back to them over and over again.  Enjoy!

"Connecting" by Dash and Bella

a beautiful post about heart-bonding with our rambunctious toddlers.  Love.

"Milestones" also by Dash and Bella

more than just a recipe for making butter with our kiddos.  I need to do this!

"In which I assign positive intent" another jem from Emerging Mummy

reminding ourselves to think the best of our kiddos...  you know, instead of always assuming they are out to get us!

"Cooking Substitutions" by Cooking for Seven

a simple, full list of baking substitutions.  Yes...  this does make my heart sing.  Because it's clear and easy to find!