This Magic Moment

This magic moment
So different and so new
Was like any other
Until I *smelled you

And then it happened
It took me by surprise
I knew that you felt it too
By the look in your eyes

Will last forever (this magic moment)
Forever till the end of time (magic)

Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh (magic)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh (magic)
Oh-oh-oh-oh (moment)

-Lyrics by Ben E. King, Immortalized by The Drifters

*words changed to protect the guilty...

In 1783, John Adams took a horrendous journey from London to The Hague which included storms on the North Sea and iceboats. He said that experience moved him forever from one stage of life to the next.

Yeah. I've recently had one of those not so magic moments which has moved me into a new stage of parenting.

The adolescent stage. Any wonder why it is called that? If you are unclear, just wait. You'll understand when your child reaches puberty. Or pre-puberty.

One of the best smells in the world may be that of a freshly bathed baby.

One of the worst smells in the world is climbing into a mini van with a fresh boy or two. The combo of perspiration, dirt, and general deodorant-free existence.

I had another magic moment in the not too distant past of discovering that one of the off-spring has thought for months that conditioner is a replacement for shampoo. Not to be used in conjunction with, of course. Snort. 

This also pairs well with the I couldn't find the soap excuse. Or I forgot my deodorant excuse.

You might have. You aren't allowing us the option of forgetting that you forgot though.

Ah (big sigh), the joys of parenting.

Well, we are embarking on another parenting stage in the Barefoot Hippie parenting annals...that of braces and orthodontics. Expanders and tracks, head gear and flossing issues.

Unwilling to ease into it all, we will have 2 kids in braces and expanders in just two weeks. 

No more tootsie rolls or jolly ranchers. Taffy or caramel corn. 

Just cake. And cookies. 

In addition, we are contemplating subjects such as the talk and the fact that my oldest will be the age I was when I got married-in just 11 short years. He is over halfway there. 

I think I am getting old.

Enjoy your magic moments. The real magic moments. The day to day magic moments. The smiles, the jokes, the tears, the tiredness, the scraped knees, the snuggles.

In retrospect, it all passes in a blink!

Robert Frost On Education

"Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence." -Robert Frost

I really like this quote.

#1-because it is by my favorite poet, Robert Frost.

#2-because it carries the ring of truth.

It doesn't say that education makes you agree (or even disagree) with everything you hear.

It doesn't say everything-but almost everything.

It doesn't negate passion.

It doesn't negate life-long learning or having a teachable spirit.

It does allow for difference of opinion.

It does allow for firmly held beliefs.

I think it means that you can hear things that contradict with what you think and you can sift through them and accept some of it and let go of the rest.

I think it means that you don't take other opinions or stances to be personal attacks.

I think it means that you should not feel threatened by every difference of opinion.

I think it means that every new idea doesn't necessarily sway you.

I think it means that you can be comfortable and confident in what you believe.

I think it means that you can logically and even Biblically defend your stance in love and without trying to unnecessarily offend someone else.

In our day and age, we invest so much into our beliefs and opinions. Every issue seems the hill to die on. Agreeing to disagree is out of vogue. Difference of opinion is seen as a personal attack or worse.

Yet, education (not talking about formal education necessarily) allows you to realize there is a great big world out there composed of many different cultures, personalities, and opinions. Some differences are wrong. Some are just different.

When you are faced with different-what is your reaction? To eliminate the different? (Either by changing yourself or the other?) To live and let live? To embrace the rainbow of difference?

Sometimes change should be affected. Sometimes you should die on a particular hill.

Sometimes you should allow the difference to sweep over you with out losing your temper or changing your mind/actions.

At least, that is what I think. The inveterate non-bandwagon person.

And as a complete side note, this is what I hope my kids pick up in their education. Confidence tempered with humility.

What do you think Robert Frost meant? Do you agree or disagree?

The Path of Comfort

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

To me, this is one of the most comforting verses in the Bible. Pun intended.

I love the fact that it points out one of the purposes of trials and sufferings. To experience God's comfort and to pass that comfort on to others.

To be like a fountain. Letting God's comfort continually flow in, through and out of you. Whatever the trials and sufferings you are experiencing.

I think that as we get a little farther from a trial or a bit farther along the path of a trial, we start to empathize with others in the same type of situation. Whether it is dealing with loss, pain, finances, sickness, death, betrayal or any other of a host of issues.

It is not an empathy born of pride-that I now have all the answers. It is an empathy born of brokenness and dependence and needs met by God Himself.

God is the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our afflictions.

This winter and spring I have experienced the comfort of God as He answered prayers prayed in absolute desperation. Prayers for mercy. Prayers for direction. Prayers for understanding. Prayers for peace. Some big prayers and some small prayers.

This winter and spring I have experienced the comfort of God in His presence. At a time when I have felt the loneliest I have ever felt in my entire life. I have felt His presence and love when the pain is so sharp it stabs me like a knife and takes my breath away.

This winter and spring I have experienced the comfort of God as He heals broken hearts and broken relationships.

This winter and spring I have experienced the comfort of God as His people have opened their arms, hearts, lives and resources to me and mine, to minister to us in our time of need.

In. Through. Out.

I am praying that God will use me as a conduit of His comfort to others. That I will see broken people who need comfort and that I will be a channel.

May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

How have you been comforted by God? Who has God brought across your path that He wants you share His comfort with?

Hot Milk Sponge Cake

Well, all I can say is that 16 miles on this end, doesn't feel quite as good as 16 miles on the before end!

My body hurts. My hips, back, stomach, feet, calves, arms. Pretty much everything.

I am exhausted.

Whose brilliant idea was this anyway?

Snort!

It has been my goal every year (which now will be 3) I have run the 25K in our town to actually run the distance and more before. But it has never happened. The first year I was having problems with my hip. The second year we were gone almost until the beginning of March and then we got sick, and  I was happy to make it through the race.

And, I certainly didn't think we were going to make it this year. Training has been curtailed because of the tons of snow and wintery weather that we had into April.

But, we started adding miles in March, week after week. This past Saturday we ran 12. And today we ran 16. 

My two legs have never carried me so far in my entire life.

Crazy!

Mentally I am pretty stoked. Physically I am probably about the sorest I have ever been-excepting child birth. And I am tired. Tired and sore, but triumphant.

Here are some pictures from my week. No pictures of my sweaty-tired long run bod. You're welcome.

I just love bare little feet. So precious!

Potato Salad-a traditional Barefoot Hippie Easter dish.

the offspring on Easter morning

close up of Meres. I love her flushed cheeks and blue eyes. I think she is gorgeous. But, I am biased.

Another Barefoot Hippie Easter Tradition

So, Hot Milk Sponge Cake is a lot like Angel Food Cake, but a little more dense and you don't have to worry about a dozen flat egg whites. It has 6 ingredients, and we love it topped with strawberries and whipped topping. It just speaks of spring to me.

Hot Milk Sponge Cake
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup milk
2 Tbsp butter

-In a bowl, beat eggs with a mixer on high for 4 minutes, or until thick. Slowly add the sugar, beating an additional 4-5 minutes, till light and fluffy.
-While beating the butter and sugar, heat the milk and butter on the stove or in the microwave, until the butter melts.
-Add flour and baking powder, and mix just until combined.
-Add milk mixture to the batter, beating until combined.
-Pour into a greased 9x9" square pan or 9" circle pan.
-Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or till a toothpick comes out clean.
-Serve warm or cool, with fruit and whipped topping, if desired. Serves 9.
*can be doubled and baked in a 9x13" pan for 30-35 minutes.

What are you up to this weekend? We are taking off for the Windy City and a Bible Conference. I'm looking forward to good preaching and fellowship.

Have a wonderful weekend!

The Dark Room

...Darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness that may be felt...there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days...(Exodus 10:21-22)

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. (Matthew 27:45)

Recently I heard an illustration in conjunction with these two stories/verses. The illustration of a darkroom.

A film developing darkroom. Film can only be properly developed in complete darkness. The only reason film/photos work later in the light is because they were developed in the darkness. The work was done right-in the darkroom.

In the darkest times of our lives we feel despair. We can't see the light. We can't see how God is working. We can't see how anything is going to be right again. Often darkness is accompanied by fear, panic, immobility.

We make the mistake in that dark moment of thinking that nothing is happening.

But, God develops us in the darkness. God develops His plan in the darkness. God develops His purpose in the darkness. God is preparing things so His glory bursts out in light-from the darkness.

Our sins were paid for in the hours of darkness while Jesus Christ was on the cross. Their burden and filthy unholiness. Their penalty. Their weight. It was all born in those dark hours on the cross.

God accomplished His most magnificent work in the darkness of the cross.

Does it make you wonder what God is doing in the darkness surrounding your life right now? Does it give you hope and peace in the darkness?

God is refining us in the darkness. He is developing His character in us in the darkness. He is waiting to reveal Himself and His purposes. God is doing His work right in the darkroom.

The question is...am I willing to wait it out and let Him develop His purpose in me?

Hmmm....

Sometimes I Amaze Myself...

With my own ridiculousness and stupidity.

Seriously.

So, yesterday I spent almost an hour at Hobby Lobby. Which in and of itself is not a bad thing. Because Hobby Lobby is like my favorite store. Ever.

But, the reason I was in HL was ridiculous.

My sil and I are throwing a bridal shower for the daughter of a good friend. The shower isn't until the end of May, but we are thinking we should get the invites out soon so that people can plan on attending.

Which is why I was in Hobby Lobby.

To buy the supplies for 50 invitations. Or to buy 50 invitations-if I could find ones I liked.

Except I couldn't.

It is an almost 4th of July wedding, the groom is in the Marines, and the color is navy with pops of red. Stars and stripes forever seems like a great theme for the shower.

I paced up and down the aisles of HL (four kids in tow), looking at cards, card stock, stickers, stamps, ink, and more ink.

What are the cheapest stickers? Why is this ink more/less expensive? Is one ink pad enough? Big letter stamps? Little letter stamps? Blue card stock or red card stock? White? Star stickers? Gold stars? Silver stars? Red, white and blue stars?

What a draining list of choices.

After a good long time, I came up with a plan, and paid for it.

I was dreading the thought of printing, stamping, cutting and sticker-ing 50 invitations.

I had visions. But, my visions were not peaceful arts and crafts visions. They were looking more like first grade art project visions.

Have I mentioned that I hate cutting? I had to cut every.single.day. in Kindergarten. I have been scarred ever since.

I am not an arts and crafty sort of person. The prospect gives me hives.

My kids even asked me as we were leaving why in the world I was making the invitations when my sol has all the art supplies and enjoys doing that kind of thing. (short answer, she is going to CA next week and she doesn't need the stress of thinking about invitations either before the trip or directly after.)

My kids know me better than I know myself.

Well, I know myself. I am just trying to push through the pain.

My BFF laughed when I told her my idea. She knows my proclivities too. Yeah. As does my husband. And my sil.

So, guess who gave me a brilliant idea this morning? God? My sil? Myself? Someone gave me permission to get off the crazy train.

I'm not exactly sure but somehow we got on the idea of printing up something online. Voila'! Click over to Snapfish. Design a cool and unique shower invite optimizing the 4th of July, red, white and blue, stars and stripes theme.

10 minutes, people! That's all it took.

No cutting. No stickers. No fancy handwriting. No stamping.

Coming to a mailbox near me sometime in the next week.

Sigh...

I am more relaxed when I focus on using my gifts. I do a few. Organizing. Planning. Cooking. I thrive on writing. I enjoy doing a wee bit of decorating-especially in my own home. I am a facilitator. A teacher.

And not an arts and crafts teacher either.

I am stressed when I try to do things that aren't my gifts. Even though I genuinely want to bless someone else with this action. Making invitations is so not my gift. Arts and crafts and the idea of making something over and over and over again stresses me out. Overwhelms me. Gives me headaches and hives.

Sometimes it is necessary to do things out of our comfort zone. Sometimes those things are how we grow and/or discover new loves. But, sometimes it is the better part of prudence to admit defeat, and focus on the things that truly are our gifts.

To order online invitations. (that were 50% off, and are costing way less time, money and effort than the homemade versions) To make a trip back to Hobby Lobby with a bag full of returns. To focus on the menu and cooking.

To live in the sigh of relief that invites will be going out. Nice invites. With the minimum amount of stress from me.

Let's give up the sigh of defeat that accompanies the phrase good enough. Let's give ourselves the freedom to realize it is just possibly good. Or even better. And maybe even best.

It isn't good enough. It is good.

Ode to Candy Holidays

*Note: this probably could also be named Owed to Candy Holidays...

It should be noted that holidays, for me, are all about the candy.

Not the decorations. Not the spiritual significance.(though that is important. I just forget amidst the candy on occasion) Not even the food (though that would be a close second). Not the gatherings. And certainly not the gifts...

It's all about the candy. And the bummer fact is that we are now in the candy deficit months. The candy-less holiday months.

So, this is the candy breakdown starting with Halloween, and running about 6 consecutive months-plus or minus-depending on where Easter falls on a given year.

Halloween is summed up in the candy corns, but preferably the candy corn pumpkins. Something about the sugary goodness is much more pronounced and more delicious in the pumpkins, as opposed to the corns. But, beggars won't be choosers.

Christmas is chocolate. The bells and the balls of solid chocolate. Or peanut butter filled chocolate. Or sweet cream filled chocolate.

Valentine's Day, on the other hand, has nothing to do with chocolate. It is too over-priced at this time of year. No, Valentine's Day is best enjoyed through conversation hearts. Those nuggets of sweetness that beat Twitter any day of the year for minimum number of characters to get your point across.

And Easter. Ah...Easter. Peeps. Need I say anything more? Marshmallow covered in pink or yellow or blue sugar? Wow! But, the amazing thing about Easter is not just the Peeps, but the jelly beans. Preferably, the fruit flavored jelly bellies. Hmmm...Or how about those Cadbury Eggs? Mmmm. Chocolate Eggs filled with drippy, rich fondant. Heavenly. Or, at least what my version of heaven tastes like...

Yes. It is sad.

Sad that when I am lamenting the holidays and the next six months, that my husband knew exactly what I was going to say about the absence of holiday...candy. He literally took the words right out of my mouth. I guess I am predictable if nothing else.

So, at least one one these offspring take off after their mom. It might be the one on the far right.
She, who must not be named, stayed up the night of our Easter Egg hunt to eat all of her sister's bounty.
Let's just say that the sister was not pleased. And the culprit was on a sugar high...

Someone really should come up with a candy concoction for Mother's Day, Father's Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. They'd make a fortune. From me.

Which, incidentally, is why I run, and swim, and bike.

Just sayin'.

Happy Tuesday.=)

What Makes You Cry?

We are all instructed to follow the path that makes us happy. Do the things that make us happy. 

Don't worry, be happy.

(I just dated myself, didn't I?!)

There is nothing wrong with doing things or pursuing things that make you happy.

But, what you really should analyze are the things that make you cry.

The things that make you cry show your core. They show what is really important to you. They show you what makes you tick.

So, what makes you cry?

-I cry reading poetry and drinking coffee at Panera. (I know. I am the picture of pathetic.)

-I cry reading the Road Less Travelled. Anytime. It makes me tear up every.time. Maybe because it has been the story of my life...

-I cry when I write about motherhood. The responsibility and trust of it all overwhelms me. I feel so small, yet so loved.

-I cry as I cross the finish line in my longer races.

-I cry as I watch others crossing the finish line. I cry because I am thinking of the back stories that are involved for each and every person.

-I cry when I watch the Olympics. I think the athlete in me gets it-on a very small scale. The sacrifice. The hard work. The persistence. The choices. The discipline. 

-I cry when I tell stories. Stories about real people. Real moms and dads. Real kids. Real struggles and triumphs. I cry when I tell not real stories too. I cry when the message of the story touches my heart and changes my thinking.

-I cry when I can't see the whole story. When I know God is present and working, when I know He is faithful, but I can't see the how or why yet.

-I cry when I watch old movies. Only old movies. And the same old movies that I used to give my mom a hard time about watching and crying.

-I cry when I get an eyebrow wax. Does that count? I also almost fall asleep in the 2 minutes it takes for them to prep me and put that nice first layer of warm wax on. And then I cry when they rip the wax off.

-I cry over my sin and failures. Over my weaknesses. 

-I cry when my children are hurt. Sometimes when they are hurt physically, but more when their feelings are hurt. It is my mama bear instinct. 

I find this crying thing interesting, because I never used to be a crier. Maybe it is hormones. Maybe God has softened my heart and allowed me to become more empathetic. Because I cry now because of understanding. That is what makes me cry. Not so much my own pain, but what my pain has taught me about other people's pain. I cry because on some scale I get it.

You have kept count of my tossings;
put my tears in your bottle.
Are they not in your book?

(Psalm 56:8)

That's an amazing thought. God keeps track of our tears. Whether they are over a loss or a triumph, a story or movie, our pain or someone else's. Our tears are precious and known to God.

Have you ever considered what makes you cry?

Life Lately with Chicken Broccoli Casserole

-The working title for this post has been "some recipe". I finally changed it today. Obviously I was not at my most inspired earlier this week.

-You may have noticed that I have cut back to posting about 4 times a week. It really has not been an intentional and deliberate decision. I am just finding that between life and working, 4 is what I can handle these days. I am going to try to make it a specific day-not as much random. But, I think it will be a good thing for this space right now.

-Running. We are in the midst of training for our longest race of the year. May 10 marks the third time I will run our local 25K (15-1/2 miles). I have been running 4 days a week and it has been good. Hard, but definitely good. My favorite runs are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I get up at 5:40 to drink coffee with Mr. Hippie, and then we hit the road by 6:30. I love seeing the moon hanging in the sky and then the sun rise. So gorgeous.

-I am dropping off my bike today for a spring tune-up. I am really excited about feeling the wind and sun on my face again. I feel like I am in a cocoon when I am riding. Just me and the sun, zippin' along.

-I have been reading Emily Freeman's A Million Little Ways. I am enjoying it, though she actually spoke a lot of its ideas at a conference I went to a year and a half ago. I have several heavy hitting books on my nightstand right now. I am wondering if I should space them out with some pulp fiction or just get busy and read.

-We have 3 weeks left of school! Yes, I am excited! It is always a debate in my mind whether to take spring break or not. And then it is a struggle to get re-motivated after spring break. But, we are motivated-to finish and finish strong. I am really happy with how this year went and I am looking forward to spending some time, probably in July, mapping out next year's plan.

this is the sight that greets me at the end of each of my working days. School work to be corrected....

-She Plans Dinner...I have 20 subscribers. I am very thankful for each of them, and I am praying for many more. I have started running some ads, hoping to gain more exposure. I am enjoying planning new menus and finding/testing new recipes. I am excited to see where this all leads. I have been working at least 2 Thursdays a month. This is enough time to keep me on top of what needs done, though I am also sneaking in working hours on other days of the week.

-I have decided that Panera Bread may be the official unofficial office of bloggers, but personally, I prefer the library. It is quiet, free, and way.less.crowded.

She Plans Dinner...use to coupon code SPRING to save $5 off any plan!

-Life has been busy, but I also feel like some of the stress from the major issues of the winter are is seeping away. People are paying up accounts for my husband's roofing business, and he has tons of new work. She Plans Dinner is launched and most of the technical stuff has been figured out. The weather is warmer and sunnier and the trees are filling out. Hope has sprung as well as spring.

-The biggest concern of my winter is still a concern. God is still refining. Me and others around me. Sometimes something new comes up and it feels like the wound has been re-opened and probed. But, mostly, healing and growth is happening.

-I am planning and dreaming about grilling and salads for summer, but we are still in the middle of soups and casseroles at our house.

I tried this recipe a couple weeks ago. It is easy and tasty. Definitely in the Classic Comfort category.

Chicken Broccoli Casserole
6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cooked and cubed
1-16 ounce bag broccoli
3 cups cooked rice
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup mayo
1 tsp curry (or 1 tsp chopped chipotle pepper in abobo sauce)
1 tsp lemon juice
1-2 cups grated cheddar cheese
bread crumbs

-To cook chicken, you can either cube the breasts and sauté until cooked through. Or you can place the whole breasts in a microwave safe container, cover with plastic wrap (vented on the corner) and microwave for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
-Bring broccoli to a boil, and boil for 3 minutes-until crisp tender.
-Use leftover rice or steam a new batch.
-Layer cooked rice, chicken and broccoli in a 9x13" baking dish.
-Make a sauce of the soups, mayo, curry powder, and lemon juice. Pour over the top of the broccoli and chicken.
-Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and top with the bread crumbs.
-Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

What have you been up to?

   

Spring Fashion DayDreams

I spent a little bit of time at the mall this week. I am liking some of the newer trends in for the spring and summer.

Polka dots and bright colors are in. Fitted tops and flared skirts. So cute. So feminine. So flattering. There is a nice mix of maxi and mini. Though you won't catch me in a mini anything.

I was not as thrilled with the prices. Even at 40% off, each of the three dresses that caught my eye would ring in at over $80. I can cloth my entire family for a season with $80.But, if money grew on trees, I know where I'd by a dress-or three....

I took some time to style this polka dot dress on Polyvore. Have you ever used Polyvore? I find it a bit of fun and a bit of a headache. But maybe the headache is because I am not truly a fashionista. Not even at heart...

So, basically my wardrobe consists of black, white, brown and coral. No joke. Which is why it isn't surprising-to me, at least-that I'd accessorize this dress with pops of coral. Probably no necklace, but a stack of bangles, a showy ring, and a big bag. (which would be for self defense-in case someone decided to attack me, I'd be able to whack them with my purse.

I like the feel of the fabric of this dress. It was almost a jersey knit. But nice. Very comfortable. I think I would style it with white sandals, and a chunky white necklace. Although, those nude sandals are pretty cool too.

As for this one...I don't know why, but I liked it. I am not a stripes person. But this one caught my eye. I like the cut. The material was heavy. Almost like a polyester or heavy knit. I would wear a retro-y red necklace with it. Like one from CarolineShop. 

Do you buy a new dress for Easter? Or make one? My mom always bought or made me a new dress for Easter every year. I loved my Easter dresses. Here is Meres in my absolute favorite Easter dress when I was a little girl! I loved the smocking and the twirly skirt.

I have sort of kept up the dress tradition with my girls. Not so much for myself anymore. 

Regardless, if you could, what dress would you buy for Easter?

The Importance of Daily Devotions with Children

Do you have daily devotions with your kids?

I do.

We miss some days. Especially during summer break. But, for the most part, the kids and I spend time most days reading the Bible, memorizing verses, praying and singing.

It is so very important-for many reasons.

I grew up doing family devotions. Every morning, at 5:15, my dad would holler "good morning!" up our stairs. He would call each of us kids by name. We were expected to jump out of bed immediately, get hugged, get dressed, get chores started and be ready for family devotions at 5:45.

We would read a chapter from Proverbs. We memorized chapters and chapters from the Bible. Psalms, chapters from Romans, John and Matthew. And even the entire book of Revelation.

It was quite the production. Quite the discipline.

I didn't particularly enjoy it growing up, but I am so thankful now for that foundation in my life.

Today, if you head over to Womanhood with Purpose, you can read the how's and what's and why's of my daily devotion time with my kids.

Come on...

Getting Holy for Holy Week...

So, not exactly...

But, sort of.

This week is traditionally labelled Holy Week in the Christian world. It is the week that coincides with the final week of Jesus' life including His death, and culminating in His resurrection.

My holy week too often consists of buying 20 pounds of jelly beans to fill almost 300 eggs. Hosting a huge Easter Egg Hunt in my yard/house. Cooking, cooking, cooking. Sewing new dresses for the girls. Spiffing everything up.

It is crazy. Busy. Not very reflective.

But, what is the purpose of the holidays if not to pause? To reflect? To remember? To give thanks? To be changed?

Easter, Good Friday-they represent the most important event in the history of the world. The.most.important. Bar none.

What you believe about these events and their impact on you, is literally the difference between life and death.

It's not the Cadbury Eggs, the jelly-bellies, the potato salad or the lamb.

It is the Lamb of God. The Lamb who died to take away the sins of the world.

It's not the Easter Egg hunts or the baskets full of goodies.

It is the death and burial of the innocent God-man. The Savior.

It is not the family gatherings or the well set tables.

It is Christ risen! He is risen indeed!

As you are in the midst of Holy Week, this year, 2014, consider...

Consider reading...the Four Gospels' accounts of Holy Week. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Read one, or read them all. Each has a unique perspective. As you read the words, let them sink down into your soul.

Consider listening to...Handel's Messiah. This is good listening for both Christmas time and Easter.



Consider attending...a sunrise service. Honest confession...this is something I have never done, but that I have always wanted to do. This year?

Consider teaching...the resurrection eggs. This is a great visual aid for teaching the Easter story to children. They love seeing what is in each egg. You can purchase a set, but it is also really easy to make your own.

All you need is an empty egg carton, 12 plastic eggs, and these items that you can probably find around your house. You can tell the story, or read these verses. (or have the verses printed on small strips of paper that are rolled up in the egg with the object-and have the kids read them) Either way, it reminds the kids what Easter really is about.

Egg #1 Oyster cracker (or bread) Matthew 26:26
Egg #2 Silver coins Matthew 26:14-16
Egg #3 Purple cloth Matthew 27:28
Egg #4 Thorns Matthew 27:29
Egg #5 Rope Mark 15:15
Egg #6 Cross John 19:16-17
Egg #7 Nail John 19:18
Egg #8 Sign that says, “This is the king of the Jews.” Luke 23:38
Egg #9 Sponge (with vinegar) Matthew 27:48
Egg #10 Cloves or spices Luke 24:1
Egg #11 Rock Matthew 27:59-60
Egg #12 EMPTY! Matthew 28:5-6

This week, I pray that you will consider. Consider Him-Savior. Lamb. Shepherd. Redeemer. Risen. Glorified. Lord. Quiet. Innocent. Majestic. Sacrifice.

Saucepan Guinness Cake

So, last week I was craving something sweet. Something chocolate.

I was desperate. Like eating hot fudge topping out of the jar type desperate.

Thankfully, in the nick of time, I remembered that I had pinned a Guinness Chocolate cake recipe on Pinterest. And I had leftover Guinness from St. Patrick's Day black apples. And chocolate. And butter. I was all set.

This is a very easy recipe that whips up in a saucepan. By hand. How awesome is that?

It is a very dense cake. Very rich. If you are hoping for a light and fluffy Duncan Hines end product, this is not the recipe for you. If you are looking for an almost brownie, but cakey and good brownie, this is the recipe for you.

In all my research, this cake is topped with a cream cheese frosting. I am not a fan of cream cheese frosting. Except on cinnamon rolls. Plus I didn't have cream cheese, and running to the store was out of the question.

Buttercream didn't seem like a good fit. But this whipped flour frosting had Saucepan Guinness Cake written all over it. I have made this frosting before. The two secrets are...cool the flour and milk completely. Completely! And beat the snot out of it! I used my stand mixer on the second highest setting for at least five minutes for the sugar/butter whipping, plus another 5 minutes (at least) when I added the flour/milk mixture.

Saucepan Guinness Cake
1 cup guinness
17 tablespoons unsalted butter
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa
2 cups superfine sugar
¾ cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking soda

-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13" pan.
-Pour the Guinness into a large wide saucepan, add the butter-cut into 8 or 9 pieces-and heat until the butter is melted. Whisk in the cocoa and sugar. Remove from heat.

-Beat the sour cream with the eggs and vanilla and then pour into the brown, buttery, beery pan and finally whisk in the flour and soda.
-Pour the cake batter into the greased pan and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. Leave to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack, as it is quite a damp cake. 

-After cooling completely, frost the cake.

Whipped Flour Frosting
5 Tbsp flour
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup Butter
1 cup Granulated Sugar (not Powdered Sugar!)

-In a small saucepan, whisk flour into milk and heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. You want it to be very thick like a brownie mix. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. (you can place the saucepan over ice in the sink for about 10 minutes or so until the mixture cools.) It must be completely cool before you use it in the next step.
-While the mixture is cooling, cream the butter and sugar and vanilla together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. (You don’t want any sugar graininess left, but sometimes it won't disappear completely until the flour is added) Then add the completely cooled milk/flour mixture and beat the living daylights out of it. If it looks separated, you haven’t beaten it enough! Beat it until it all combines and resembles whipped cream. This takes close to 5 minutes also.

-Spread on cooled cake.

Perfect! Have a wonderful spring weekend!

10 Staple Recipes...

Alternately titled...A Well Stocked Kitchen...

What are your go-to recipes? The ones that regularly make the menu or are always on standby in case of crazy days?

I have several. Quite a few of them center around pasta. What can I say? Pasta is quick. Everyone in my family loves it. Plus, in the time it takes for the pasta to cook, I can have the topping all put together.

Here are some staples I always have on hand...

-1 to 2 pounds of short pasta, like penne or cavatappi
-rice
-dry onion soup mix
-shredded yellow cheese, 1-2 pounds
-chicken thighs
-boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-cream cheese
-heavy cream
-parmesan cheese
-tortillas
-salsa
-potatoes
-sour cream
-bacon
-evaporated milk
-baking chocolate squares
-baking cocoa
-pesto (I make a batch & freeze half)
-ground beef
-cream soup


Here are links to my favorite go-to recipes. They are all quick, easy, and family favorites. They are familiar. These are the recipes my family terms comfort food...

Chicken Enchiladas
Depression Meatloaf
3 Ingredient Pesto Chicken
Green Noodles
Alfredo
Macaroni and Cheese
Oven Fried Potatoes
Chicken and Rice
Brownies
Lava Cakes

What recipes does your family go back to again and again and again? For more fresh ideas for meals, check out my sister site, She Plans Dinner.

One Spring Day

I am sitting in my backyard. It is a glorious day-a glorious moment.

The trees are still bare-except for that fuzzy look.

There is still a pile of snow in my neighbor's yard.

But it is brilliantly sunshiny. The temps are in the 50s (albeit low 50s). My irises are making tracks, and the daffodils are seriously considering opening their green leaves to unfurl their spring yellow.

I can smell the pungent scent of a skunk in the neighborhood.

My flip-flops are gracing my toes, and my shoes have taken up their summer residence under my dresser.

The windows are open. The newly washed rugs are drying over the fence.

I hear my wind chimes tinkling in the breeze and it is apparent that it is no longer winter. We aren't on the cusp. It is definitely spring.

And we all heave a huge sigh of relief and thank the Lord that we survived another cold, grey, snowy winter.

Winter is the time for dormant and burrowing, dreaming and barely surviving.

Spring is the time to stretch the wings of your dreams. It is the time to revel in new life and new starts. New plans to flush out. New goals to pursue.

Renewed energy, motivation and purpose.

April 2013

April 2014-Look how they've grown!

Happy Spring!

Dust If You Must

Do you believe in dusting? Does dusting have merits in your book?

I answer yes and yes to both questions.

Dusting makes the house look and smell clean. It keeps dust down to a dull roar, which helps keep my allergies in check.

But, I am also a dusting procrastinator. It is my only chore that regularly gets a pass. Which is sad. Everything has higher priority than dusting-laundry, cooking, writing, paperwork (and you know how much I like that), scrubbing toilets and floors.

I pass this chore off to my kids. I give it a lick and a promise. I simply don't do it.

Maybe it is because dusting has been my chore my entire life. From the time I was very young I was dusting my mom's tons of bric-a-brac. Which always too forever.

That is probably why this poem made me laugh when I read it last week...

Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better
To paint a picture, or write a letter,
Bake a cake, or plant a seed;
Ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must, but there's not much time,
With rivers to swim, and mountains to climb;
Music to hear, and books to read;
Friends to cherish, and life to lead.

Dust if you must, but the world's out there
With the sun in your eyes, and the wind in your hair;
A flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
Old age will come and it's not kind.
And when you go (and go you must)
You, yourself, will make more dust.

-Rose Milligan

So, it is Tuesday, my dusting day. The question is...will I dust?

Only if I must...