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For weeks, maybe even months, I've been thinking about what I would title this blog entry. I had faith that prayers would continue to be answered, and that for reasons all his own, God would heal my little mama. Now that I actually get to write, I am at a loss for words for a title that would encompass the emotions felt. I love using song lyrics for titles, but could not choose any that were worthy. I looked over quotes and Bible verses but again, couldn't find the perfect words. So, this entry is title-less, which says much more than words ever could.

You see, this little lady right here, she got the all clear yesterday from her oncologist. A little over seven months ago, she was diagnosed-out of the BLUE-with stage four cancer.

Our world was shaken, our faith was strengthened, and our friends and family swooped in like nobody's business.

Do you believe that lady in the middle had a golf ball-sized tumor removed from her brain on Monday and was on the dance floor on Saturday?! I mean, really... Those ladies surrounding her have done just that from the moment our world was turned upside-down. They are some of the most remarkable and loving women on the planet and I'm so thankful they are my mom's dearest friends.

I'm so thankful for the doctors and nurses who helped her, for my dad who was her rock, and for every single person who prayed for her and for our family. May she be a living example of God's goodness and his love and a testament to the power of prayer.

My sweet mama defied some really ugly odds and did it all with grace and a smile on her face.

XOXO

move over, beethoven

So this used to be my favorite salmon recipe, sans puff pastry. It's easy, healthy, contains one of favorite ingredients on the planet: pesto, and was introduced to me by friend Giada. Tough competition in my opinion.
Salmon with Pesto and Puff Pastry (but minus the puff pastry)
4 pieces salmon
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup purchased pesto
2 tomatoes, sliced

EASY: preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with foil. Place salmon on foil and top with almonds. Cook for 10 minutes. I spread pesto on top of the fish and then top with tomato slices.

Then I bought salmon yesterday and was looking around online for an easy recipe with ingredients we already have in the house.

BINGO.

I have kinda been in love with coriander for about six months now, so I was initially excited it was an ingredient. Then I read the reviews, checked our pantry and fridge, and realized we had a winner.

Salmon with Honey-Coriander Glaze
1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds
1/4 cup honey
5 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
salmon (I bought a pound)
2 teaspoons vegetable oil

EASY: Mix first four ingredients. Brush mixture onto one side of salmon. Heat oil in a pan and cook salmon 1-2 minutes per side. Then I wrapped the salmon in foil and put it in the oven for about 8-10 minutes (the recipe calls for cooking on the stove top the whole time, but the oven was already on and cooking cute little potato gratins in muffin cups, so I figured I'd throw the salmon in there). I reduced the rest of the sauce and drizzled it over the cooked fish. One of the tastiest things I can remember making!!

I thought about it all day today.