TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS...

Stretch, the Irish Setter Annalise, relaxing after helping with breakfast & dinner...

Gracie, making candy corn cupcakes Bethany, making chocolate pie

Katie, making cherry pie

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." ~Psalm 90:12

Lord, we are so thankful for all You have provided for us and all your protection, love, and mercy!

We had a lovely Thanksgiving, spent here at home with Mom and Dad, while the sisters were supposed to be with their in-laws. We couldn't make it to Oregon this year, but were very thankful to remember all those we love so much!

Summertime...and the Living is Easy

What a lovely summer we've been having here in Idaho! It took longer than usual to get hot, and we've even enjoyed period rain showers to water the flowers and cool things down. Everyone has been happy and healthy, so everything else is just a bonus!

Re-cap of some fun memories made so far:
* Swimming, swimming, swimming
* BBQs, s'mores
* Parade America (Anna got to march & ride on the float with her soccer team)
* The girls first "friend" sleepovers
* Attending friend birthday parties
* Day trip to McCall and to visit Shiloh Bible camp and see cousins and Aunt & Uncle
* Visiting Settler's park in Meridian
* Free movie at the theater
* Family get-togethers and playing with cousins for several days
* Picnics in the park
* Visiting the Baker City Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and local museum
* Daddy-daughter dates

August is busy for us: Our 12th anniversary is tomorrow; Katie's 11th birthday is Tuesday (8/17); Bethany's 3rd birthday is 8/22; and school starts again this month!

We hope everyone is doing well, enjoying the rest of your summer, too! God bless you all in every way!

Numbers 6:24-26 (New International Version)

24 " ' "The LORD bless you
and keep you;

25 the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;

26 the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace." '

One Fine Day

One fine day...9 years and one day ago...our second daughter was born! She has graced our life with beauty inside and out, sharing the ever-ringing melody within her heart! She is a blessing in every sense of the word!

Filled with sweetness and affection, this brown-eyed beauty is a treasure!

Happy Birthday, sweet Annalise!

************

Little Gracelyn is a joy and a comfort. Quick to hug, quick to giggle, and Tinker Bell and Tigger rolled into one!

She's bouncy and effervescent, and although I'm a turtle and she's a hare, we need each other! :)

Happy 7th birthday in five days, Honey! I can't believe how fast time is flying by!

YOU ARE MY STRENGTH WHEN I AM WEAK...EVERY MORNING...even during mourning

Overwhelmed. Burdened. Wiped out. Weary.

Have you been there? A lot? I have...and it's not pretty!

Last Friday I had every intention of cleaning/decluttering the house and being finished by Monday (today). Lofty goal, I know, but I've been gnashing my teeth at the chaos that has contiued to multiply in the face of lovely, precious gifts of clothes, shoes, etc. being donated to our very grateful family...and yet, needing to wash, sort, store, utilize, donate, etc. bundles of many things. Sometimes I feel like the guy keeping all the plates spinning on those poles, only to have one wobble and fall and systematically every other plate comes crashing down. Disaster. Discouragement. Disheartenment. Dread.

I have cried out to the Lord so many times for the strength, wisdom, guidance, help, etc. for the health and energy to complete all my chores. He is faithful, as always, but I never--ever---ever get done. Ever. Somtimes in my distress I cry out to the Lord, but am unable to put into words all that I feel, think, need...the words get choked in my throat and I have nothing, but I know His Word promises that the Holy Spirit interprets for me to my Father in Heaven!

"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words." ~Romans 8:26

SOOOOOOOOOO...although I've prayed many times and always received His help and strength enough, last night I gave up. I looked around at my weekend-worn house. Busyness had over-taken my to-do list. We had the lovely pleasure of being with family all weekend, starting with Friday after lunch, and ending on Sunday after a late luncheon. I had been so content to trade chores for precious time with my true treasures--family. Yet now--late Sunday night--I looked around at the "aftermath" and became discouraged and overwhelmed again. (Why, you might ask, do I think I have the time to write in the blog if I have so much to do? Because this has ETERNAL VALUE).

As I lay in bed last night, I began my prayers in the usual way, then began to add these burdens--when I just stopped. I couldn't go on. How could He possibly care? Still? Again? Never-ending problems, never-changing situation, ever-the-same prayer requests.... "I'm sorry, Lord, I know I sound like a broken record. I never learn. I never do better. I'll never get it right. So, nevermind...just skip it." And that was that. I spent the rest of the time in bed reading a book until the wee hours of the morning and then drifted off to sleep.

THIS MORNING--the one where His mercies are new every MORNING...
Lamentations 3:22-26~

"22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD."

...the one where this is the DAY that the Lord has made, let us REJOICE and be GLAD in it...(Psalm 118:24)


...the one where the Psalmist writes in Psalm 5:1-3:

"1 Give ear to my words, O LORD,
consider my sighing.
2 Listen to my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
3 In the MORNING, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the MORNING I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation."

On THIS MORNING of THIS DAY, God sent me an email. Seriously. You may think that I'm being flippant or irreverant, but MY GOD loved me and SENT me a message. Sadly, He knew that I'd check the email before I read my Bible(That's another issue altogether for another time).

Because of the importance of this email, I have to post the entire text. It's from Truth For Life daily (a devo I receive in my email every day). It's adapted by Alistair Begg from "Morning and Evening" by C.H. Spurgeon.

*********************************
May 3, 2010

Go to Jesus
A very present help.

Psalms 46:1


Covenant blessings are not meant only to be observed but to be appropriated. Even our Lord Jesus is given to us for our present use. Believer, you do not make use of Christ as you ought to do. When you are in trouble, why do you not tell Him all your grief? Does He not have a sympathizing heart, and can He not comfort and relieve you? No, you are going to all your friends, except your best Friend, and telling your story everywhere, except into the heart of your Lord.

Are you burdened with this day's sins? Here is a fountain filled with blood: Use it, saint, use it. Has a sense of guilt returned upon you? The pardoning grace of Jesus may be proved again and again. Come to Him at once for cleansing. Do you deplore your weakness? He is your strength: Why not lean upon Him? Do you feel naked? Come here, soul; put on the robe of Jesus' righteousness. Do not stand looking at it, but wear it. Strip off your own righteousness, and your own fears too: Put on the fair white linen, for it was meant to be worn.

Do you feel yourself sick? Call upon the Beloved Physician, and He will give the medicine that will revive you. You are poor, but remember you have a kinsman, who is incredibly wealthy. What! Will you not go to Him and ask Him to give you from His abundance when He has promised that you will be joint heir with Him and has credited all that He is and all that He has to your account? There is nothing Christ dislikes more than for His people to make a show of coming to Him and yet not to use Him. He loves to be employed by us. The more burdens we put on His shoulders, the more precious He will be to us.

Let us be simple with Him, then,
Not backward, stiff, or cold,
As though our Bethlehem could be
What Sinai was of old.
*************************************

God in His tender, gracious, merciful love sent me an email to tell me JUST HOW MUCH HE CARED--I'm going now, because I need to Call Him and return His message, but I just wanted to write this down for my own "Hall of Faith"...and for you, if anyone out there reads this! (Is there anyone???)

May the Lord Jesus bless YOU this and every morning and evening!

IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE (or, I wish I was more like Corrie...)

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Corrie Ten Boom! She is such an inspiration...not only because the Lord accomplished so much through her and her ministry, but because she was REAL. She admitted her sins...she "came clean" about her bad attitudes. Then, she points us back to Jesus! THE LORD JESUS...even the way she speaks His name is so intimate!

I have so far read: The Hiding Place, Tramp for the Lord, and I just finished reading In My Father's House. Needless to say, it's awesome! I absolutely loved this quote at the end by her father Casper: "When Jesus takes your hand He keeps you tight. When Jesus keeps you tight He leads you through life. When Jesus leads you through life He brings you safely home."

So precious!

I wish I was more like Corrie. Her faith, her obedience, her faithfulness, the way she understood God's leading and directing in her life, and her tender heart...Lord, please mold me into the vessel YOU have DESIGNED me to be!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a 2 year old screaming at her big sisters. We cannot allow tyranny to reign terror in this mother's house! I'm so thankful My Father is with me!

Back in the Saddle Again...again...again...

The girls and I started walking again this last week. We get dressed to the tennies and head out the door with a string cheese, set our alarm for 45 minutes, and hit the road! This is our second week, and we already skipped today. No bueno. I've been dizzy again, and it was dark and windy, so---we skipped. I look back at how good of shape I was in after having Bethany. Even at 9 months preggo, I was in good shape. I was walking 3 miles a day most days, and had a nice little tan, good BP readings, and felt ENERGETIC. Things have unraveled for me over these last 2 1/2 years...in every way. First it was mono, then it was leg cramps/potassium issues, then it was/is constant fatigue, then it was/is dizziness and headaches. It seems like everytime I hit the mat, more wiped out than before. Eventually I start hearing "Eye of the Tiger" in the background, and I struggle to get up and fight another round with Drago. (You ARE all Rocky fans, aren't you?!!) :) The thing is, so far I have no "southpaw" punch. I keep waiting to knock out the enemy, but my victories are short-lived.

I see the correlation between my physical life and my spiritual life--do you? In Ephesians 6:10-20 we read:

The Armor of God
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

I can't stay down...too many people are counting on me. Lord, You are counting on me to get up and "put on the full armor of God." You tell me to STAND--to take up my mat and WALK...

Thank you for telling me what "the armor of God" is...now will you help me put it on? I need strength, energy, and VICTORY! I have little lambs to tend to. Thank you, Father, that You're always there to give me a Hand up...and that You are the Eye of the Tiger...no--even better--YOU ARE THE LION OF JUDAH! ;)

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" ~Isaiah 30:21. Lord, let me recognize and hear Your voice as You speak these words to me! Lord give me patience with myself as I learn to follow You and walk with You. Lord, please teach me..."Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better." ~Colossians 1:10

Marvelous Monday Morning

Today started out better than most days. The girls and I went for a walk after waking up, but before breakfast. What a difference that has made! We have gotten so much more accomplished today, and with so much more energy! Praise the Lord! :)

I have lots to do still, but am so thankful that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases...His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning--great is His faithfulness!

My new Bible study on prayer has been really wonderful. Right now we're talking about God's echos...the things that God is trying to get our attention about or teach us. They are things that continue to resound--everywhere, it seems--on the radio, written on a calendar, something in a sermon, something we are told. When God's Voice speaks--we often don't listen because the "NOISE" of this world crowds our spirits.

Today I am focusing on slowing down, listening, and learning! I want to be a better example for our daughters in choosing only those things to spend time and effort on that bring glory and honor to God by showing obedience to His Word. Lord, please help me show your little lambs, as you teach this big lamb.

2010--The Year of Jubilee--the Year of Change--the Year of Walking in VICTORY! :)

Strawberry Pie 2

Ingredients:
1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
1 quart fresh strawberries
1 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup water* (OR use ginger ale, instead)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:
1.Arrange half of strawberries in baked pastry shell. Mash remaining berries and combine with sugar in a medium saucepan. Place saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
2.In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Gradually stir cornstarch mixture into boiling strawberry mixture. Reduce heat and simmer mixture until thickened, about 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour mixture over berries in pastry shell. Chill for several hours before serving. In a small bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form. Serve each slice of pie with a dollop of whipped cream.



*VARIATIONS: THESE COMMENTS ARE FROM THE WEBSITE, NOT MINE....*
(1) This stuff is the bomb! I cheated, however, and modified it a little according to others opinions. Instead of leaving half of the berries unmashed and mashing the other half, I did 3/4 unmashed and 1/4 mashed. It was PERFECT - not too sweet and jammy that way! I still kept the measurements of cornstarch at 3T, but I cut down on the sugar (used 3/4 cup) and the water (used 1/2 cup). I did NOT cook the mixture for 10 minutes like the recipe says. I added everything together in the cold pot, then turned it on to med-high and stirred it CONSTANTLY until it started boiling. Leave it at boiling for 2-3 minutes. It gets thick really fast. I let it cool for a couple of minutes and poured it on the pie. After only 1 hour in the fridge, it was set perfectly!

(2) We loved this pie for Easter. I used more strawberries in the sauce than it called for. The clencher that took it over the top was after the shell was baked I melted about 2 oz. of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave and "painted" the inside of the crust with the melted chocolate! Unbelievably awesome! Strawberry pies are notorious for getting soggy - with the painted chocolate crust that was avoided. After you paint the crust be sure to put it in the refrigerator and let the chocolate set up before you fill it.

(3) I use a very similar recipe to this from a Farm Journals Pie Book (from 1965). Mine just calls for more berries (1 1/2 qts.) and less water (only 1/2 cup). You crush 1 cup worth of berries and add the water to that. Mix the sugar and cornstarch together (will blend much better) and then bring the whole thing to a boil. Let it boil for 2 minutes until thick and translucent. Add 1 tbs. butter and let it cool before adding to the crust. I find that it avoids getting a soggy crust that way. I would highly (highly, highly, highly) advise never to use store bought strawberries. If you have a farmers market or a pick-your-own place just use those. You'll never get the true flavor of the pie otherwise. I just made this yesterday for Father's Day (made a 10-inch version) and there's none left. Also good to try this with other fruit (I've done raspberries and peaches)

Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie

Ingredients:
1 sheet refrigerated pie pastry
1 package (3 ounces) cook-and-serve vanilla pudding mix
1-1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 package (.3 ounce) sugar-free strawberry gelatin
1/2 cup boiling water
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
3 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
2 cups reduced-fat whipped topping, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 fresh strawberries

Directions:
On a lightly floured surface, unroll pastry. Transfer to a 9-in. pie plate. Trim pastry to 1/2 in. beyond edge of plate; flute edges. Line unpricked pastry with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 450° for 8 minutes. Remove foil; bake 5-7 minutes longer or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.

In a small saucepan, combine pudding mix, water and lemon juice. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes longer or until thickened. Remove from the heat; set aside.

In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Gradually stir in pudding. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until thickened. Fold in sliced strawberries. Transfer to crust.

For topping, in another bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/2 cup whipped topping and vanilla until smooth. Fold in remaining whipped topping. Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag; insert a medium star tip. Fill with topping. Pipe topping around edges of pie; garnish with whole strawberries. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Yield: 8 servings.


Nutrition Facts: 1 piece equals 259 calories, 12 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 13 mg cholesterol, 220 mg sodium, 37 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 3 g protein.

Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie published in Healthy Cooking April/May 2009, p41

PRESERVING A HUSBAND RECIPE

Ingredients:

Patience, Sweetened smiles,
flavored kisses, charity,
peaches, cream

Directions:

Be careful in your selection. Do not choose too young, and take only such as have been reared in a good moral atmosphere.
Some insist on keeping them in a pickle, while others keep them in hot water. This only makes them sour, hard, and sometimes bitter. Even poor varieties may be made sweet, tender and good by garnishing them with patience, well-sweetened with smiles and flavored with kisses to taste. Then wrap them in a mantle of charity and keep warm with a steady fire of domestic devotion. Serve with peaches and cream. When thus prepared, they will keep for years.


http://amishrecipebox.com/Miscellaneous/Special%20Recipes%20Folder/Preserving%20A%20Husband%20Recipe.html

Sweet Wisdom!

Here's is my Proverbs verse for the day:
"Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." ~Proverbs 24:14

Lord, you promised in James 1 to grant me wisdom, just for the asking, as long as I have faith. Father, I need your wisdom today in my life--in our daily routine, in projects, in relationships, in time-management...in every area! Please bring me that Sweet Wisdom for my sould today, and the hope that is with it! Thank you for answering my prayer and your promise! I love you, Lord! In Jesus' name, Amen.

Sourdough Starter w/ Bread Recipes

SOURDOUGH STARTER (Do Not Refrigerate) :
1/2 tsp. active dry yeast
1 oz. warm water
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. flour
1 c. milk (room temperature)

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Place all ingredients into a bowl and stir until mixture is creamy. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let stand in a warm place to ferment for 2 days. It will bubble and have a sour odor. After the second day, you start your Friendship Bread. Should have 1 cup of starter.
Take your 1 cup of starter: Day 1-2-3-4 stir each day. Day 5 add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Stir well and put in a larger container. Day 6-7-8-9 stir each day. Day 10 add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Stir and put 1 cup of mixture in a container. (This is your starter for next time you want bread.) Put a lid on the container. If you have 2 friends to give a starter, take 1 cup each and put in 2 other containers with lids and pass on to friends. If you only take out 1 cup of starter, you have enough to make 4 loaves of quick bread; if the 3 cups are taken out, you have only 2 cups of starter left and that only makes 2 loaves of bread.


QUICK BREADS:

To this 2 cups of starter, add the following ingredients: 1 c. sugar 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. salt 3 eggs 2 c. flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 2 tsp. cinnamon
Mix together well. Pour into 2 greased loaf pans. (I spray with Pam, etc.) Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. Can add nuts or sprinkle top with cinnamon-sugar mixture.

I also add chopped apples, bananas, zucchini, rhubarb, pumpkin (I add about 1/2 teaspoon cloves and 1/2 teaspoon allspice), fruit cocktail (drained), pineapple (drained) or raisins. I add 1 cup per loaf. The last time on my chopped apple, I added 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg with the cinnamon. I add the cinnamon as in the recipe above before I put the fruit in.

If you have 4 cups of starter, double this recipe. (If you take out 1 starter, you will have enough to double and have 4 loaves.)


WHITE BREAD:

Go through the procedure for 10 days. After taking out your starter to keep, you have approximately 4 cups of batter left. DO NOT ADD THE INGREDIENTS FOR QUICK BREADS.
This recipe is for 2 cups. If you have 4 cups, double this recipe.


Approximately 2 c. starter
2 c. potatoes, mashed (we use instant potatoes & mix according to instructions), add HOT
1 tsp. salt (if you put salt in the instant potatoes, do not add this)
1/3 c. oil
Flour (enough to make a soft dough)

Knead until smooth, place in bowl, cover with waxed paper and let rise. I set mine in my oven, which has a pilot light, and let rise overnight. However, this is not necessary, just let rise until double in bulk. Punch down and let rise again. Shape into 2 loaves and place in bread pan. Bake about 45 minutes at 350 degrees, or until golden brown.

Amish Friendship Bread

AMISH FRIENDSHIP BREAD

1 cup Amish Friendship Bread Starter
2/3 cup oil
3 eggs
2 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F.
In mixing bowl, combine all ingredients.

Grease and flour well 2 9″x5″ bread pans. Or grease and coat pans with cinnamon/sugar. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.

Variations: Add 1/2 cup of one or more of the following - raisins, chopped apples, crushed pineapple, candied fruit, coconut, chopped dates, nuts or chocolate chips. Add to batter just before baking.

Amish Friendship Bread (Starter)

AMISH FRIENDSHIP BREAD (STARTER)

1 pkg. active dry yeast
1/4 c. warm water
1 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 c. warm milk (110 degrees)

Making the starter:

Day 1:

Soften active dry yeast with 1/4 cup warm water for 10 minutes.
Stir with a wooden spoon. In a non-metal bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1 cup sugar. Mix, slowly adding 1 cup warm milk and the softened yeast. Cover loosely with clean cloth and leave at room temperature until bubbly. When mixture has lots of bubbles, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.


Days 2, 3, and 4:

Stir with a wooden or plastic spoon (don't use a metal spoon) until mixture is smooth. Do this once each day.

Day 5:

At this time, 2 cups of starter can be removed from the batch to bake Amish Friendship Bread or use in your own recipe which calls for starter.
Replenish starter by stirring in 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk; stir; allow to sit at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate.


Days 6, 7, 8, 9:

Stir with wooden or plastic spoon until smooth. Do this once each day.

Day 10:

Repeat.

http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,194,156183-225206,00.html

Easy Bread Recipe Using Self-Rising Flour

I have self-rising flour, and no recipes for how to make bread with it, but I found one online, and I can't wait to try it - and there isn't much to it!!! :)

3 cups self rising flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 12 oz bottle of beer

Stir these ingredients together....you can also add some shredded sharp cheese and herbs, such as chopped chives to this. Dump into a lightly greased loaf pan - larger size. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Pour melted butter over top and bake for 10more minutes. Cool.....to remove from pan....can be served somewhat warm.

MY REVIEW:
This bread is yummy and tastes more like shortcake. As a matter of fact, my kids began singing, "Mommy's little baby loves shortnin', shortning'--Mommy's little baby loves shortnin' bread!" The sweetness is surprising at first, since I made it to go with dinner. I used Widmere Hefeweizen (since that's all my hubby drinks when he does have beer), and it was good. The girls, especially, have loved having it for a snack with butter. I'm sure it would be excellent with fresh fruit on top, etc.

Muffin Morning

It's a Muffin Morning. I need to make some muffins for breakfast because...well, becaue we need something nutritions and different today--at least I do!

Here are two muffin recipes for today. One is from a local friend, and it's called "Blueberry Oat Muffins." It's delicious, so give it a try! The other is "Breakfast Cereal Muffins," and I love this because it lets me use up the last of the cereal for a tasty muffin. Today, I'm making the Breakfast Cereal Muffins with leftover Strawberry Special K! I haven't tried this recipe before, so I'll give it a review when I'm done.


BLUEBERRY OAT MUFFINS
1 1/4 c. All-Purpose Flour
1 c. quick-cooking oats
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
2 egg whites
1/2 c. water
1/3 c. oil
1 c. fresh or frozen blueberries

Topping:
2 Tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Directions:
Combine first six ingredients. In another bowl, beat egg white, water and oil. Stir into dry ingredients just till moistened. Fold in blueberries. Put in greased muffin cups. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over muffins. Bake at 400 for 18-22 minutes. Makes 1 dozen.




BREAKFAST CEREAL MUFFINS
1 egg
1/4 cup salad oil or vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup honey
1 cup flour
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups breakfast cereal (like Raisin Bran, All Bran, Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, etc.)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease 12 medium sized (2 3/4" diameter) muffin cups.
In a mixing bowl, beat egg and whisk together with oil, milk and honey.
In a large bowl combine the dry ingredients; mixed well.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until flour is moist (batter should be lumpy).
Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with the batter, and bake for 20-25 minutes (until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted).
Remove from pan immediately.
Makes 1 dozen.

***Wonderful breakfast, brunch, or mid-morning snack. This recipe is very versatile. Any kind of cereal works, and you can substitute dried fruit and/or nuts for part of the cereal. If using a cooked, hot cereal like oatmeal, combine with wet ingredients instead of dry.

MY REVIEW:
This recipe was decent, but it doesn't seem quite sweet enough. I used Agave Nectar to sweeten, rather than honey, because I didn't have enough. I also added a small amount of yogurt to the Strawberry Special K recipe. Then I made a second batch of muffins with some Raisin Bran, and I added a little sour cream to those...not as tasty. I need to tweak it a bit more, but the recipe is worth keeping in mind. I may use honey next time.

A TEN-YEAR OLD'S THOUGHTS ON WOMANHOOD

Tonight, our 10 year old daughter Katie began delivering this impromptu speech to me, as she stood by the kitchen sink getting a glass of water. It was soo precious to me, I had sit and type it verbatim while she was speaking because I never want to forget this:
"Women work hard...taking care of children, especially babies, can be hard to do, but it's worth it because God made you different than men, and women have a gift and when God sees us working for the Lord, taking care of our children, he is giving us a blessing...a gift. Men have a different gift--to provide for their family, but women have a beautiful gift, and when I think of it, it's like a butterfly, you know. It's beautiful and sometimes, it's like a flower, and when that gift is so tired, the Lord gives it strength--the gift of God with wisdom and power with His strength to keep moving forward. I just have to say that women work hard, and women (she's got tears in her eyes now) are beautiful creatures because they were made in the image of God, and they're hard-working, cooking, mopping, sweeping, changing babies' diapers, and reading to their children, teaching school, doing laundry, doing the dishes, and even sometimes they need some stuff for their own selves like medicine because the doctors--they can help us, but they can't help us as much as God. Because God is our Savior and Messiah. He can do everything, even if it's hard for us. We can do it in His will, and if we continue to obey Him and pray, then we can do anything through Christ. So, this is what I'm saying about women. Women sometimes make bad decisions. Some other women make good decisions, but forever and ever I'm saying that I wish that some people prayed for anything they needed because some women don't have that gift. They don't have it deep in their hearts; that's why they need God. Some women, if they have hurt feelings, instead of praying they do things like eat candy, read books, or do other things, but that's not how it is in Christian life. We have to pray...we need to pray for everything, even if it's hard. We need to pray.
Then, she read a verse I have taped to one of the kitchen cupboards:
Isaiah 40:11--"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."

I hope you don't mind, but...I just had to share my blessing tonight with all you women out there. :)

Whoopie Pies

Here's a fun little recipe for your spring get-togethers.......

Chocolate Sandwich Creme Cookies (a.k.a. "Whoopie Pies")

For the cookie, you will need:

1 box of chocolate cake mix (the pudding kind works best)
1 stick of margarine or butter, softened
2 eggs

Sift the cake mix into a large bowl, then cut in the butter with a fork, until the mixture is crumbly and well-incorporated. Add the eggs, and mix until it is a stiff dough.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and roll the dough into 2" balls. Place them by the dozen on a large cookie sheet, and bake on the top rack, for ten minutes. Remove cookies from oven, and let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, before transferring to a cooling rack.
Spread one with marshmallow fluff, filling, or ice cream, and stick another on top.

Filling:
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1-1/3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/8 teaspoon extract
4 drops food coloring, optional
4 teaspoons fat-free milk

*Great for get-togethers...can be made in as many varieties as cake mixes and filling ideas: pumpkin, spice cake, lemon, red velvet, etc. Fillings: peanutbutter, cream cheese, cheesecake filling, mint, almond, maple, etc.

HAPPY SPRING & HAPPY EASTER 2010

HAPPY SPRING 2010

Greetings to our beloved family and friends!
Clearly by now, you must have noticed that we didn't send out Christmas cards or Valentine's Day cards as I had intended. However, we are sending out an Easter Greeting this year in an effort to catch everyone up on all the important details of life around here. :)

First of all, we want to wish you all a HAPPY EASTER!! We rejoice in the fact that Easter is Resurrection Day! Not only did Jesus die on the cross for everyone's sins over 2,000 years ago this Friday, but on that precious Sunday He rose again! Everyone is born, and everyone dies...but only Jesus rose again! Because Jesus was the perfect Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world--He was the perfect sacrifice...without blemish. His RESURRECTION is the key--the whole point of what Easter IS! Praise God!

Secondly, we want to fill you in on a few happenings around our home.

Casey: has been enjoying his new position in the Operating Room as a circulator/nurse. He has witnessed and assisted in many interesting surgeries and loves "the blood and guts" of nursing, as he calls it! He's in his element!

His step-dad Kenny is still in the VA hospital in Florida. The damage he suffered to his brain was very traumatic, and his survival and gradual rehabilitation has been nothing short of miraculous!! He fell from the ladder in Sept., and has progressed from a non-responsive coma to being able to use a bicycle-pedal attachment on his bed for rehab, as well as being able to talk a bit, smile, and remember some details from his life. He recently had a set-back and was in the ICU, but praise the Lord he is back to the rehab part of the hospital now! He has not regained speaking again since the set-back, but we continue praying for his mind and health to be restored completely and permanently, as well as for encouragement for his heart. In the meantime, Casey's mom has been a shining example of strength through adversity. We ask you to join us in lifting them both in prayer during this difficult time of ups and downs.

On March 7, Casey's Grandma Davis (maternal g-ma) passed away to be with the Lord. She was 95 years old, and such a special woman! We were able to make it to Salem for a couple days for the funeral and visit with family briefly. We got to have a few hours with Casey's dad, too, during which time the girls endlessly entertained him with their antics and stories. He's probably good on "girl talk" for awhile at least. :)

Shauna: I've been busy with the usual--kids, homeschool, chores, etc. I've been feeling much better lately than I have since October! Praise the Lord, I haven't had to use my cane or walker in over two weeks! We are so thankful for God's blessing of grace and strength! I'm excited that I've been able to become more active again this last week without any issues--it feels good. Please continue to pray for me. I have to return to the neurologist in the near future and have another MRI to make sure the 2 cysts in my brain are still just cysts and that they're not growing enough to be putting pressure on my optic nerve. I trust that everything will be fine. God is so good!!

Katie: is enjoying school and is so interested in cooking, baking, animals, and all things science. We've had some fun trips recently to the local Discovery Center and got to visit OMSI in Portland while we were there, and she was definitely in her element. It was difficult to leave when it was closing because there was just so much more to read and learn about! She is really interested in joining 4-H, so we may try to sign her up for that in the near future.

Anna: is also enjoying school and is thrilled that her dream has come true: She's finally playing soccer! We got her signed up for Upward Soccer (a local league through the churches), and she has a great coach and a cute little team. They are the "Jays". So far, their record is Game 1--Loss 0-5; Game 2--Tie 2/2. She's having fun, learning a lot, and relishing in her rooting section, which last week was made up of her parents, 3 sisters, 2 grandparents, 2 aunts, and 5 cousins. Woo hoo! We took up half the sideline, and it was fun!!

Gracie: is enjoying reading more than guessing at words these days. :) She has been working hard at reading and has just completed another set of readers, so we're on our way!! She wants to finish all her readers before she turns 7. She still has a month or so to go, so I have no doubt she'll make it! She has lots of fun playing with her sisters and if you ask her what her favorite thing to do is, she'll honestly say: "helping Mommy....except not folding clothes." She's a great helper, that's for sure.

Bethany: is almost 3. That sums certain things up. :) As for the rest, though, she is a happy little girl who enjoys singing, playing with her sisters (though not always sharing HER things), and outside. She is learning new things all the time, and we're not ready for our "baby" to be a "big girl" yet!

For Easter, the plan is to be at Meagan and Nathan's house to visit them and the cousins for the day, along with my parents. We're looking forward to that, but wish it were possible to have a giant family get-together again. It's hard as time goes by to have to miss out on vacations and get-togethers due to various reasons, so when we get a chance, we try to savor every moment! If we could come visit each one of you more often, we would gladly do so--You know you're always welcome to come visit us in the meantime, and we'll be glad to share Idaho hospitality with you! :)

If you ever want to keep up with us, sometimes we post something on our blog:

http://theidahowebbfamily.blogspot.com

I'm trying to get better at updating it, so that we can keep far-away family in touch better.

Please join us in praying for these prayer requests:
*Casey's step-dad Kenny, as he continues to heal and recover from his brain injury and for his Mom Sue, as she is vigilant by his side day and night--for strength and comfort, as well.
*Nathan's dad Rich Bath has an aggressive cancer, multiple myeloma. He is now undergoing chemo, but has recently had several scares and has been in and out of the hospital. Please pray for Nathan, Meagan and the girls, as well as Rich, his wife Rhoda, and the whole family during this diffIcult time.
*Aunt Bonnie, who just underwent open-heart surgery and is in the hospital recouperating.
*Kaitlyn will be having another EEG soon to determine if her medications are adequately controlling her seizures. They don't seem to be, so we need to know so that her Rx regimen can be adjusted.
*Other family struggling through difficult times, including health, financial, and all other needs.

We pray for each of you often, if not daily, and send you all our love and Hershey hugs & kisses!

Love,
Casey, Shauna, Katie, Anna, Gracie, and Beth

At This Rate...

If I only blog once in a blue moon, at this rate, I'll have each child grown before I complete a good train of thought! Kind of reminds me of my real life.... BUSY is a great word for our life, but it's also BLESSED! We are so blessed to have the family and friends that we do. I guess that's what makes it so hard to say, "goodbye" when some of those loved ones have to leave us. Casey's Grandma left for her Home in Glory this month. It was difficult because we were unable to see her again before she died. However, the comfort of knowing that she loved Jesus with all her heart, and that this unity with her Savior was what she wanted is all we need. A woman that lives 95 years, blessing those around her with faithful love, discipline, hospitality, and encouragement is quite a role model...right down to her 201 grandchildren (including all the greats). That is incredible! While we were there, we also had the blessing of being able to visit the BEAUTIFUL OREGON COAST and visit OMSI in Portland, too!

Anna's been busy playing Upward Soccer this season. So far their team the "Jays" have:
Game 1: Loss 0-5
Game 2: Tie 2-2
She's doing great, and can't wait to go to practice again tonight!

Katie is eager to start 4-H...as soon as I sign her up. In the meantime, she's busy helping in the kitchen....and helped bake her first apple pie on Sat.

Gracie wants to do ballet or gymnastics. All 3 big girls got invited to a roller skating birthday party last week, and have now developed a desire to roller blade more often, too! We're going to have to get to work saving $$ for the girls' hobbies! :)

Bethie is just as smart as a whip, and doing her best to keep up with her sisters. She can be found at anytime singing songs and swiping toys from unsuspecting sisters who are busy with schoolwork....

March's weather is all over the board here. Yesterday was blustery with 60 degree weather. This morning, however, we just finished having snow. Now it's back to dripping....

School is going along swimmingly. We are studying Passover and Jesus in Jerusalem during this Holy Week. One of the highlights so far has been watching a video by Jews for Jesus on "Christ in the Passover." It was wonderful!

I'm adding a link for a new favorite recipe website I have come to love:

http://www.razzledazzlerecipes.com/

Talk about buzzing...

BOY has life been busy these last few weeks! Here's a brief (albeit full) recap:

* All 4 girls to the dentist for cleanings
* Babysat the cousins for 3 days
* Church
* AWANA Grand Prix
* Superbowl Sunday
* A few Dr. appts for Mommy
* Busy work for Big Daddy
* Art projects
* School work
* Every day life: cooking, cleaning, child-rearing, laughing, loving, and sleeping... :)

Today was a day. We've been focusing on learning that LOVE is a VERB. It is not feelings, it is actions! Yesterday's lesson was "Love is patient, love is kind" (I Corinthians 13:4a). I, apparently had to back to the beginning and learn it again today. On the way to Boise, I got a flat tire on the freeway--then called Mom and had her come get me, while I left a message for Hubby that we'd have to get it later. Got home, and got a call from the Idaho State Police that I had to come get it by 2 p.m., or they'd have it impounded. Then I re-signed up for AAA, asked them to meet us there, headed back to Boise (where he was a little grumpy because I was a little late). THEN, we had it towed to Les Schwab in Boise (but he actually towed it to Commercial Tire, so I had to drive it across the street, but no biggie). Half hour wait--what to do? Head to Taco Bell! We had lunch--2 hungry moms and 4 hungry girls. Then back to Les Schwab to pick up the van, have a cup of free coffee, and take 3 girls to the bathroom! Then, back home to put Baby Girl down for a nap, while 3 big girls studied and did school work. PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE...LOVE IS PATIENT. Lord, please don't make me learn it again tomorrow...I hope it's good enough for today! :)

Finally, I need to make it known that tonight is soup and sandwich night. Sorry, no cooking is happening here....I hope it's okay with Big Daddy, but I gave up around 3:30. So long--I need to get out the cans of soup and get dinner ready, so we can get to AWANA on time (which we have to leave for in about an hour). I'm so thankful I get to homeschool! Have I mentioned that lately?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Out with the old, in with the new, they always say! I say "Amen!" and "easier said than done!"

We had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's, filled with delightful company, delectable treats, and destructive sleep habits! We're starting anew this very day. Early to bed, early to rise makes a family healthy, wealthy, and wise! I'm not sure about the wealthy part, but the rest is surely true!!

Today (being the first Monday of the new year) is really the first day resolutions are being planned to start around here. The first of which was (for me) having coffee as soon as I woke up, rather than hours later when it was "diesel or die!"

Goals for today? Definitely back to school for the girlies. Laundry's caught up (thanks to Big Daddy who did the last load for me last night), and ORDER.

They say that the best way to break bad habits and addictions is by replacing them with new and healthier ones...so, we're exchanging:
*late nights for early mornings
*holiday food for veggies!
*chaos for order
*free-time for chores (at least a little more of it)
*tra-la-la-ing for order and routine

That's a good start for today, I think. It's 7, so it's about time for the Little Women to get up...early...

Cheerio & Happy New Year!