Warung

One of the little "warungs" (shops) that line our street. You never know what treats might be lurking in there.

Ikan Asin - Salty Fish

Today's "Celebrating the Seasonings" culinary post is not a recipe, but instead a unique experience in snacking, namely, "Ikan Asin" or "Salty Fish."

The fish undergoes a special process of drying so that it becomes salty and completely dried out. The fish is crispy like chips. The bones are brittle to the point that the entire fish can be eaten--even the head and fins.

This all must sound disgusting, but actually I found it very tasty. I will miss these back in the States if I can't find them at some import store. They end up being similar to jerky. There is a fish flavor, but the processing makes it milder than canned tuna.

Indonesians like to eat these with sambal (chili sauce) very similar to chips and salsa in the States.

Below are pictures Stephanie took as proof that I ate the head. Actually, I ate the whole fish, though the fins are probably my favorite.

A Mommy Moment

Last night I had one of those precious "Mommy moments," the kind I imagined back when I was a single girl dreaming of being married and having children. Jonathan had read Toby his bedtime stories and tucked him into bed for the night. I was doing dishes when I heard a sweet little voice from the bedroom, "Mama." Now, let's be real here. A bit of dread filled my heart at that moment. Oh, no, what is it now? Is he not sleepy enough to sleep? Are we gonna have an awake-and-looking-for-any-excuse-to-get-out-of-bed little boy tonight? I wondered.

 

 

Toby peeking under our little table

I dutifully entered the room, and when I saw him lying there, something compelled me to lie down beside my little boy and gently ask what he wanted. Grinning his big, happy grin, he put his hands together in his sign for "pray." Oh, yes, I had forgotten to come in and pray with him. We went through our little routine. I asked who he wanted to pray for. He said, "Mama. Papa." Then he pointed to Abbie's room and to himself. I prayed for each of us by name and gave him a chance to say something to Jesus.

After we had finished praying, I looked at him lying there so happily and couldn't bear to leave yet. So I kissed him and cuddled him, then asked him for a hug. He smiled real big and sweetly reached over to put his arm around my neck. My heart just melted. After cuddling a bit longer, I kissed him again, told him I loved him, and bid him good-night.

Such a sweet, sweet time.

And I almost missed it.

I was almost too busy, too anxious to finish up my evening tasks and get on with my quiet, kid-free evening.

Almost too selfish.

I am so glad for the something that compelled me to slow down and enjoy those moments with my son. Back when I was dreaming of motherhood, I had no idea how complicated it would be. How easy it would be to miss those sweet Mommy moments I had dreamed of. But today I know. Today, I am grateful for the reminder to enjoy what I have, to revel in being Mama to my little ones. Today, I purpose to seek out those moments.

Standing up is one of Abbie's favorite things right now

(And, in order to do that, I need to get off this computer. Bye for now.)