Book Review: The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe

      I only gave this one a 3-star rating. I reserve the use of 4 or 5-star rating for those books which I simply can't put down. Conversely, this book was very easy to put down, and pick up days later...and I never felt compelled to burn the midnight oil while reading this book. That being said, I truly did enjoy this book. And to paraphrase something the author said on pg 31:

I think what I liked most was that this is a book obsessed with books by an author who is clearly in love with books. 

     Mr. Schwalbe does an excellent job of sharing his mom with us, and describing what an incredibly kind, thoughtful, and loving woman she was. By the end of the book, I wished I had known her. True, she lived a life of privilege most of us only dream about, and personally I can't relate to it, but she used her status responsibly to make a positive impact on countless lives around the globe. No one can argue the fact that she has left a legacy of literacy and hope for future generations.
     The other aspect of this book is, well, the books. I was pleased to find that I have read many of the books mentioned. I loved reading what Mr. Schwalbe and his mom thought of those books, even if I didn't fully agree. Equally, I enjoyed learning about new books, and have added a few (17 actually) to my reading list.

I would certainly recommend this book to other book-lovers.


My favorite quotes from the book:

When one sees something especially wonderful, it's always nice to have someone to share it with.

That's one of the things books do.  They help us talk.   But they also give us something to talk about when we don't want to talk about ourselves.  (pg 58)

Really, whenever you read something wonderful, it changes your life, even if you aren't aware of it. (pg 120)

Many people who have my kind of insomnia have various behavioral strategies for dealing with with it.  One technique involves keeping a notepad by the bed.  We write down our worries-to get them out of our...brains and onto paper so we can sleep knowing that they will be there when we wake, and also knowing that we'll likely find those same worries inconsequential or even ridiculous when the morning does come.  (pg 159)

People who promise things that they never give are like clouds and wind that bring no rain; do not be misled by promises.  (pg 179--from "The Ten Commandments for Voters," an African brochure).

What's odd about commencement is that so many people think of it as the end of something...-but that is not what the word means at all.  It means the beginning, the start of something new.  (pg 180)

...we all know it's wrong to interrupt each other.  And yet we constantly interrupt ourselves.  We do it when we check our email incessantly-or won't simply let a phone go to voice-mail when we're doing something we enjoy-or when we don't think a thought through, but allow our minds to fix on temporary concerns or desires.  (pg 199)

The greatest gift you can give anyone is your undivided attention. (pg 192)

"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf."  (Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn)

...mindfulness-it isn't a trick or gimmick.  It's being present in the moment.  When I'm with you, I'm with you.  Right now.  That's all.  No more and no less. (pg 192)

That's one of the amazing things great books...do-they don't just get you to see the world differently, they get you to look at people...differently.  (pg 203)

We are all in the end-of-our-life book club, whether we acknowledge it  our not; each book we read may well be the last, each conversation the final one (pg 281).

You should tell your family everyday that you love them.  And make sure they know that you're proud of them too. (pg 282)

My final thoughts:
The trouble with reading a book about books is that I know I'll never have enough time to read all of the books on my ever-growing list of books that I want to read.  And I loved that this book not only added books to my reading list, but also gave fresh perspectives on several that I had already read.

Baskets and Bins

     We are well into 2013, and I was waiting patiently to publicly announce my New Year's resolution this year.  Mostly because I didn't want to set myself up to fail.  How many times have I vowed to do this or that, and by January 5th, that resolution has long been forgotten.  But I am pleased to announce, as we march forward to April, I am still living daily by my 2013 promise for change.
     This year I declared war on the clutter in my life.  This is beginning with the physical clutter that has accumulated in my house in the nearly 9 years we have lived here.  Certainly the problem became much more pronounced when I began my career as a mom.  Something desperately needed to be done!  Yikes!  
     Below I will share a few of the ideas that have helped me get a handle on the clutter that once surrounded and overwhelmed me.  I haven't read any of the self-help books that promise a simpler, less cluttered life.  These ideas are totally my own, and while they certainly won't bring "peace on Earth,"  they give me a little peace of mind in my world.

Problem:  Coats and backpacks strewn all over the foyer and on the banister.
Challenge:  Solving this problem was really 2-fold.  First, the mess and chaos needed to go.  Second, the bags and coats needed to be easily accesible for little hands to reach on hectic mornings as we're struggling to get out the door on time.
Solution:  A series of hooks in the laundry-room at "kid level" got the bags and coats in easy reach and out of the foyer (a bonus I hadn't anticipated when I tackled this mess).  I added a cork-board above the hooks to post important reminders.   My kids love being able to get their own things, and they've been great about putting everything away as soon as they come in the door.  






Problem:  Legos all over the floor in D's room.  Toys and books all over the floor in A's room.

Solution:  A cubicle strorage unit and baskets and bins for toy storage.  

Storage in D's room

Storage in A's room

Problem:  Piles of papers and reminders all over the dining room table, and frankly, I was tired of trying to eat around them!
Solution:  Add a pretty table cover and centerpiece to the table.  Post reminders on the cork board in the laundry-room.

Problem: Bottles of lotion and potions taking over the bathroom counter space.
Solution: a pretty basket to keep all of those bottles that I "need" everyday.  Added (and unforeseen) bonus: On cleaning day I only have 1 item to move off the counter, instead of lots of little bottle of lotions and potions!

.

 Problem:  Yarn, yarn, and yarn!   YIKES.  (It's really really hard to find the color you're looking for when it's just piled up in dark cardboard boxes.)
Solution:  One of those sweater organizers that hangs from the bar in a closet, and one large 31 tote.   This solution would work nicely for whatever your hobby or craft might be.

Baby Jesus, What do you see?

Alivia, my 2yr old was being super cute the other day while I was sorting thru Christmas cards.  She picked one up with a manger scene and started telling a story that resembled her favorite books.  It inspired me to use the cards to make her a book telling the story she's been reciting.  Hope you enjoy it.  What stories can you use your Christmas cards to tell?

For more of my ideas for up-cycling Chrismas cards, click here.

Oh, Christmas Cards!

A small part of my card collection!

     If you are like me, you've got piles of Christmas cards that you've been collecting over the years.  I love getting Christmas cards; I love hearing from friends and family far and near, and looking at all the beautiful artwork on the fronts of those cards.  My favorites are the cards that include personal notes or pictures of the senders and their families.  I have boxes of these cards stacked in my basement, and now I've got a plan for them!   I'm going to share my 3 favorite ideas for using those cards---up-cycling, I think they call it!

1: Magnets and Ornaments
Here's what you need:
various cards cut into shapes (I used circles, but I think stars, hearts and triangles would work too).    
Ribbon or yarn
glue

glitter (optional)
magnets

Start by cutting shapes from the cards.  

Glue the ribbon onto the back of your shapes as hangers.  Use glitter to decorate around the edges.   For magnets, just glue the magnet to the back of your shapes.   You'll have beautiful ornaments for your home and tree in no time!

Magnets

My homemade Christmas-card ornaments

2:  Frame them
What you'll need:
Cards
Frames in sizes of choice

In larger frames, make an eye catching collage of interesting cards, or frame individual cards and group the frames together.  You'll have your home looking Christmas-y in no time!

A collage of framed Christmas cards

3:  Tell a Story
     What you'll need:
      Cards to tell your story
      Contruction paper
      yarn and tapestry  needle

Cut out the pictures to fit your pages and glue.  Write the words for your story, Use the yarn to hold your page together,  and Presto!, your toddler will love telling the Story over and over and over.  (For the younger set, try just gluing interesting cards into a book, without the story.  Your little one will love looking at all those cards over and over and over).  To read the whole story, click here.

A story inspired by my 2 yr old
yarn/tapestry needle

How do you upcycle your Christmas cards?  I'd love to hear about it!

Christmas Scents

I love citrus season!  I mean, what's not to love about Clementines from Spain, or Californian Mandarins, or those giant sized Indian River Grapefruit from Florida?  I got to thinking...seems like such a waste to throw away those deliciously fragrant peels.  Surely there has to be a way to recycle them into something.  Those of you who know me well, know that my sense of smell is both my best friend and worst enemy.  I love the sweet smell of vanilla or the minty-ness of peppermint or the spicy scent of cinnamon.  Any of those than put my brain in a happy place.     So I decided to use those orange peels (and apple peels) with some fragrant spices and make a lovely simmering  potpourri that will make my home smell yummy and inviting.   

To try this for yourself, here's what you need:

Peel of 1 orange

1/2 tsp cinnamon

dash nutmeg

6 whole cloves

(if you've got a peel from and apple...throw that in too)

Throw the above in a saucepan filled half-full of water.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer to make your house smell wonderful!  (You might want to set a timer to remind yourself to check on the simmering pot so you don't boil all the water out).  

What other Holiday recycling ideas do you have?  Have you tried making a potpourri from any other common items in your kitchen?   

Making Sense of the Chaos and Clutter

Damon proudly displays his art folder

     I love being a mom!  I have the two most wonderful children in the world!  However, there are plenty of challenges to keep me guessing.  Before I had kids, I was very regimented about keeping a clean and orderly home.  Everything had a place, and everything in its place.  Then my first child came along.  During my pregnancy, a rough one, I slacked off a bit with the cleaning and organization, promising myself that after the baby was born, I'd get back on schedule.  Ha!
     Now that I've had my second child, who is now 2 1/2, I've come to appreciate the chaos and clutter that now so beautifully graces my home.  But as much as I love having my children's artwork around decorating the doors, walls and refrigerator...at some point we needed to find a way of organizing it, and keeping the mess under control.

     This is our solution:  We buy a standard sheet of poster board...which are usually 2/$1 at the dollar store.  Then the kids decorate them, I add a label including their name, the year, and grade.  We fold it in half (decorations on the outside), and staple it together, making a HUGE folder to store all of the papers and crafts they make.  It keeps everything together and in its place.  The folder is artwork itself, and makes a great keepsake and place to store all the papers that we just can't bear to throw away.

I'm not a moron. Really.

"Show respect for all people: Love the brothers and sisters of God's family, respect God, honor the king." 1 Peter2:17 

I am blessed to live in the greatest country in the world.  I am thankful to be an American, or should I say a citizen of the United States of America.  I am thankful for the men and women who have fought for my freedom, and continue to fight for it's sake today.    Recently, I have been saddened.....no, sickened...by the disrespectful posts I've read on a certain "social media site."  The Anti-Obama statements are just plain distasteful...whether you agree with the man or not.  As a citizen of God's family, I am required to respect the people He has placed in authority over me...and this includes Mr. Obama.  I believe that God is sovereign, and yes, He placed our current president in office for a reason.  You and I may not ever understand His reasons for many things, but I have faith.  So while the purpose of this blog is not to stand on my polital "soapbox," I do have a few things to say:

1) Please stop telling me that "the right to bear arms" means it is my responsibility to carry a gun.  I grew up in a home with guns.  My dad was a hunter.  Thankfully there is not a tragedy written into our story because of a curious child.  My dad was careful.  So I am not against you owning a gun, nor do I think your choice to carry a gun makes you pro-crime, pro-guns.  Just as my choice to NOT own a gun does not make me anti-guns.  It is a personal choice that I am thankful to have the freedom to make because I live in the USA.

2) Please stop implying that I am a moron because I do not think exactly like you.  I do not think you are a moron because you have your own opinions.   Yes, you have the right to have your own opinion and you can express it.  But those who disagree with you also have that right, and they are not morons.

3) Please stop discriminating against Mr. Obama because you believe he is Muslim.  Maybe he is.  Maybe he isn't.  Does it matter?  One of the most amazing things about this country is freedom of religion...for me, for you, and for the President.  I am thankful to live in a country where I am permitted to worship God anyway I want.   And if the President is Muslim, or Mormon, or Christian, I am sure he is happy to be able to practice his religion without discrimination.

And if being a free thinker makes me a moron...then I wear the label proudly.

My Favorite Granola

     So I've been working on this recipe for a little while now, and I've finally perfected it.  It is super easy to make, and super delicious to eat.  Enjoy!

Pecan and Raisin Granola
3 cups old fashioned oats
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup pecans
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/3 cup canola, olive, or vegetable oil
2 tbs. water
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 cup raisins (or dried cranberries)

Preheat the oven to 250*F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

In a medium bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Set aside

In a small saucepan, combine oil, water, and syrup.  Over medium heat, bring to a boil, then pour over the oat mixture.  Stir until thoroughly combined.  Spread mixture out on prepared baking sheet.  Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until dried and lightly toasted.  Allow to cool.  Add raisins; package. 

Thanksgiving countdown: Tuesday

     So today the baking frenzy continues.  I've got apple pie baking...a recipe I've shared previously.  Later I'll be making gluten-free pineapple upside down cupcakes...or at least attempting to make them.  If they turn out as yummy as I imagine, I'll share that recipe with you too. 


    In the midst of all the Holiday preparations, I still need to feed my family daily, but I really need it to be as easy as possible, and it would be great if the meals I'm making for our nightly dinners could use some of the excess ingredients (celery, carrots, and onions) I have on hand from the Thanksgiving feast I'm busily preparing.  That's where this delicious, and healthy, recipe comes from.   So get out your crockpot and in a few minutes you will have a meal that is sure to satisfy the whole family happily cooking away with very little effort from you. 

Vegetarian Minestrone Soup (for the slow-cooker)

4 c. vegetable broth
4 c. tomato juice
1 tbsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
dash pepper
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium celery stalks, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 c. fresh mushrooms, chopped
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 c. uncooked rotini pasta

1. Combine all ingredients, except pasta, in 5 qrt. slow cooker
2. Cover and cook on LOW 7-8 hours, until vegetables are tender.

3.  Stir in pasta.  Cover and cook another 15-20 minutes, until pasta is tender.  Serve with breadsticks if desired.

Pineapple Upsidedown Cupcakes

Thanksgiving Countdown: Monday

     First off, let me just remind you that if you are going to be cooking a frozen turkey this year (as I am), and you haven't taken him out of the freezer yet...please stop reading NOW, and go put Mr. Tom Gobbler in your refrigerator so he can thaw before cooking him up for Thursday's feast.
     Now that that is taken care of, it's time to begin baking some of the goodies for the dessert table.  I don't know about you, but oven space and time is going to be somewhat limited in my house come Thanksgiving day, what with a 19 pound Turkey slowly cooking for the better part of the morning.   Today, I've got two pumpkin pies baking.  And I am perfectly aware that the easiest way of preparing said pies is to purchase a mix from Libby's, but I firmly believe that everyone should make one from scratch at least once.  Quite honestly, it isn't that much harder that mixing together the a fore mentioned mix, and here's the recipe that I use:

Pumpkin Pie
Yield: 1 pie

2 c. pumpkin
2/3 c. sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/2 c. milk
1 tsp nutmeg
3 eggs
2/3 c. evaporated milk
1 pastry pie crust

(Note:  Once upon a time, I cooked and pureed fresh pumpkin...now, I use commercially canned organic pumpkin puree).

     In a large mixing bowl combine pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.  Beat lightly with mixer.  Gradually add milk and evaporated milk.  Mix well.
     Pour into pastry lined deep dish pie plate (9").  Bake at 375* for 50 minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean.  Cool on wire rack, and either serve immediately or refrigerate.
     Optional: Serve with whipped cream. 
     Store in refrigerator.

Baked Peaches

I've been experimenting in my kitchen again...with delicious results!  I'm wondering if this dish might make its way on to the Thanksgiving dessert table? Yes, a whole table in my house will be dedicated to desserts this year...Pumpkin Pies, Apple Pie, Pinepple Upside Down Cupcakes (look for the recipes next week)!   And now I had to go ahead and be a mad scientist and create this!   I'm wondering if anyone would mind if I skip the Turkey and stuffing this year, and just serve desserts? 

Baked Peaches
Yield: 2 Servings

1 can sliced peaches, well drained
2 tbs. chopped pecans
2 tbs. brown sugar
1/2 tsp grated orange peel
pinch of ground allspice (freshly ground if you prefer, and I do!)

1. Preheat oven to 350*
2. Place peaches in a 1 qrt baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar, orange peel and allspice.
4. Sprinkle over peaches.
5. Bake for 20 minutes

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Yield: 6 servings

1 c. chopped onion
1 c. butter
1 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
3 c. chicken broth
6 c. milk
4 c. chopped and cooked fresh or frozen broccoli
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

In a large pot, saute the onion and butter until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper; cook and stir until smooth and bubbly. Add broth and milk all at once; cook and stir until the mixture boils and thickens. Add broccoli. Simmer, stirring constantly, until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.

Stir with a wire whisk until smooth and  bubbly.

I use the food processor to coarsley chop the broccoli

Stir consitently until mixture boils and thickens. 

Alterations: Instead of salt, I use whatever savory herbs I have on hand, and lots of them. I also replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and double up on the cheese!

Blueberry Muffins

Damon is my child who thrives on routine.  He also is a fan of quick and easy to eat meals.  So when this school year started, we decided that it might be a good idea to stock the freezer full of homemade breads and muffins that could easily be defrosted and eaten for breakfast before school.  He loves them, and he loves being able to choose which muffin he'll have today...Blueberry?  Zucchini?  Banana?  Pumpkin? Strawberry?  Apple?  So this morning he ate the last two of the blueberry variety, so it was time to make a new batch while he was at school this morning.  If you're looking for an easy and nutritious breakfast (possibly made more nutritious by substituting whole wheat flour and  3T honey instead of sugar), this recipe is for you!  Hope you enjoy it!

Blueberry Muffins
Yield: 12 muffins

1 1/2 cup flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup soft butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar until creamy (about 3-4 minutes).  Add egg and milk, and mix well.
4. Add flour mixture, and continue mixing until well combined.  Stir in blueberries.
5. Divide evenly into 12 prepared (greased or paperlined) muffin cups.
6. Bake 20-25 minutes.

Learning to Trust

By nature I'm a worryier. Will there be enough money for this month's bills? Will my children be healthy? Did my children remember to wash their hands after being out in public?

Or maybe it's just that I like to be in control of my world. I've been told I have a type-A personality...that is, I like to be in charge, and I'm good at it. So I find it hard to trust anyone else to do it right. After all, trust, I've been taught, is earned (a trait I may find helpful when my little ones become teenagers).

Everyday I struggle to trust God to meet my needs. I mean, trusting would require me to let go of my control of the situation, and let God do whatever He has planned. It's not that He has ever failed me, or given me reason to doubt. We have food on our table, clothes on our backs, warm beds. Trust just doesn't come easy for me. I'm so focused on the here and now, trying to make all the pieces of my life fit together in this neat little package, that I think sometimes I've missed a bigger blessing on the way.

I want my children be trusting of God, and I know that I must learn this first.  To take my eyes off of today's troubles and focus my attention on my Lord.  And let Him truly be in control. 

Lord, help me to be still today, and trust you.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Just another Saturday night.

     So I've realized it's been a little while since I've written.  It's not that I don't have anything to share, it's just that I have had so much to share, and just so little time. Really, it's true.  So here I sit on a Saturday night, my kids are contentedly watching a Disney cartoon, hubby is on his way home from a football game and I've got the laptop in my lap typing away.  Makes me think back and remember all the crazy Saturday nights..fun times hanging with friends, going out for pizza or drinks, movies (not of the Disney variety), and dating my husband.   Those were the days...not a care in the world.  No responsibilities.  Thank goodness they're gone! 
     So here I am, at home with my 2 beautiful children, just chilling and enjoying being their mom. We're all snuggled in our jammies and blankets enjoying being together.  And I'm happy.  Really happy.  Oh, sometimes I miss the carefree days of no children.  Being able to go where and when I want to; being able to take a shower whenever I want to; sleeping in on a Saturday. But then I realize how blessed I am.   I wouldn't trade these moments with my children for anything.  I would miss their sweet kisses, watching them play, and listening to them pray. 

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me. Don't stop them, because the kingdom of Heaven belongs to people who are like these children."  Matthew 19:14

Floodwaters, Sippy-Cups, and Coffee mugs

      Damon is growing. He eats more snacks. He has more energy than ever! And he is now over 4 and a half years old. Too old to be so dependant on his beloved sippy-cups. While I agree there are convenient, if not appropriate, places for him to use his sippies (in the car or for water by his bed), for the most part he needs to start drinking from a regular cup. We began this process a few weeks ago. We started by replacing his milk sippy cup at lunch and dinner with a plastic tumbler. While he tried so hard to be careful and use two hands, there were sticky spills at every meal. But we kept practicing...and then there was the flood.
      For the first time in over 7 years, our basement flooded. Our basement has weathered it's fair share of storms, and we've been fortunate that this is the first time.   So in the aftermath of the"Great Flood of 2011" ," we are still in clean-up mode. We've been going through boxes of treasures, deciding what is worth keeping, and what is junk. The flood certainly decided for us on many items...things like my entire personal library of books were destroyed. My husband's libraries of CDs and sports VHS tapes were also total losses. So we've been in sort of a state of re-evaluating what is important and what is just stuff.   In all this digging through boxes, I came across my collection of coffee mugs.  I've been collecting them my entire life.  There are mugs from almost everywhere I've traveled.  Places like the Strausburg Railroad, Williamsburg, Disney World, and even one from The Bahamas.   As I was sorting through all of these mugs, and deciding which ones were especially memorable or unique, and which ones were just mugs, it suddenly occurred to me that this might be an option for Damon and his milk.

Enjoying a snack and drinking from his mug.

     In typical fashion, Damon chose a coffee mug from the Strausburg Railroad with a whimsical train on it.  He feels so grown up using his coffee mug.  He's since chosen 2 more mugs: one from Myrtle Beach and another that has his adorable 4 month old face all over it.    And we've thrown away 2 sippy cups.   So in the morning my son and I sit at our kitchen table drinking from our mugs...juice in his and coffee in mine.  He's growing up way to fast! 

Hamburger Noodle Soup

     So on this rainy day, I've got a crock pot full of yummy soup cooking.  It'll be cooking and making my house smell delicious all day, and will be ready to greet my family with warm, yummy goodness at day's end. 

(for the slow-cooker)
8 servings
1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
2 medium onions , coarsely chopped
1 stalk celery, cut into 1/4" slices
1 envelope onion mushroom soup mix
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
6 cups water
4-6 c. frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
2 c. med. egg noodles

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef until thoroughly cooked.  Drain well.  In a slow cooker, combine cooked ground beef and all remaining ingredients, except mixed vegetables and noodles; mix well.  Cover; cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or until onion is tender.  Stir in thawed vegetables and egg noodles.  Increase to high setting; cover and cook an additional 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are crisp tender and noodles are tender. 

Peaches and Cream!

Peach Upsidedown Cake
Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 c. peaches (sliced)
1/2 c. chopped nuts ( I prefer cashews or pecans)

4 eggs, separated
1 tsp vanilla
1 c. sugar
2 tbsp. butter, melted and cooled
3/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp salt

Home-canned peaches

Melt the 1/4 cup butter in a round cake pan.  Stir in the brown sugar until combined; spread evenly in the bottom of the cake pan.  Arrange peaches atop brown sugar mixture; sprinkle with nuts.

In a large mixing bowl beat egg whites and vanilla until soft peaks form.  Gradually add sugar.  Beat until still peaks form.

In a small bowl, combine egg yolds and 2 tbsp. melted cooled butter; stir into egg white mixture.  Add flour, baking powder and salt, 1/4 cup at a time.  Stir by hand (with spoon).  Carefully spread batter atop peaches.

Peach Picking 2011

Bake at 325 40-45 minutes or until done. Cool pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully invert cake pan and cake onto serving platter. Cool cake 30 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream!

Sugar and Spice

Apple Pie
Yield: 1 pie

Ingredients:
pastry for 2 crust pie
4-5 tart apples
1/2 sugar
dash nutmeg
1/3 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbs. flour
1 tbs. butter
2 tsp. lemon juice


Mix together sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and flour.

Quarter apples, peal, and slice.  Arrange half of the apples in pie crust.  Sprinkle with half of the spices.  Repeat, keeping apples near center. Sprinkle with lemon juice and dot with butter.

Make small gashes in top crust to allow steam to escape.  Brush edges of bottom crust with cold water.  Add top crust, trim edges, and flute edges with finger to seal.

Bake at 450 for 15 minutes.  Reduce heat to 350, and bake an additional 35 minutes.

Apple Picking 2011

The Road to Independence

      I don't know if it is a universal difference between boys and girls, but it certainly is the difference between my boy and my girl.  The quest for independence.  I've been noticing this a lot lately as Alivia exercises her right to an opinion of how she wants to do things or what she wants to play with or what she wants to eat or drink.  Over the last 2 days she has been reluctant to let mama spoon feed her yogurt, cereal, or cottage cheese, shaking her head and loudly shouting "No No No!!"   So today I place her bowl of strawberries and cottage cheese in front of her with a training spoon.  Much to my surprise she managed to feed herself that cottage cheese, with little mess!  I'm not sure why I was so surprised.  After all, developmentally it is expected that a child this age should be feeding herself.  Maybe it is because her brother showed no interest in feeding himself until he was close to 2 years old!!  





      Then there is her uncanny (and sometimes stealthy) ability to undress herself.  I mean, I turn my head for a minute, and the next thing I know she has herself stripped down to her diaper (I guess I should be thankful she leaves that much on).  There have been several afternoons when she has spent more time undressing herself than napping.  And her attempts to undress began at around 9 months old.  Damon on the other hand could have cared  less about being able to dress or undress himself until he was three.  And that was only because I forced the issue when Alivia was born. And it's only been in the past 6 months or so that he has been able to put on his own shirt.    And only within the past 2 weeks that he has been able to put on his own sneakers (tying them will have to wait). 

 

     And don't get me wrong.   I'm not comparing my children to say one is better or smarter than the other...I'm just noticing how different each is.  Alivia seems to excel in the personal care areas...while Damon shows more Independence when it comes to playing and imagination and running, and moving his body in BIG ways.  Alivia is careful and timid at times; Damon is brave and daring.   Damon is more socially confident; Alivia needs reassurance from her Mama.  I enjoy watching my children on their quest for independence and the new freedom I have found. 

     I love my children.  I love everything that makes them unique creations.  They are amazing...and I can't imagine my life without them! 

Damon Rides his scooter, February 2011

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. "   ~Psalm 139:14

 Damon learns to put on his shirt March 2011