A Recipe!!

Here’s my SIL’s recipe for Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Pie.

2/3 cup sugar

1 stick butter, melted

2 eggs, beaten

2/3 cup dark Karo syrup

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cups quick oats

refrigerated pie crust

 

Mix ingredients by hand in order listed, blending well after each addition.  Pour into pie crust  and bake for 40 min @ 325.  If pie still looks “liquid” in center, cook for about 8-10 more minutes.  Let cool for about an hour before cutting pie. 

And hey!  Look!  Pictures!!

 

My cute little helper

 

The finished product!

I did put aluminum foil over the edges of the pie to keep it from burning, just in case you aren’t a frequent pie baker.  That would be a lesson learned from experience.

Thankful Month–Day 29

After a fun 5 day birthday/Thanksgiving celebration, I am full (in more ways than one!) of thankfulness!  And links to share!  In list format!
--my favorite pie

Oatmeal Pie made by my SIL, Cissy.  This is all that was left of 2 pies and I got to bring it home.  I'll post the recipe later, maybe tomorrow.  It tastes like pecan pie, without the pecans.  Oh my word.  And oh my hips.

--my new boots

My kids got me these cute rain boots for my birthday.  I’ve been wanting some forever and they finally got the hint. ha!  And it’s supposed to rain tomorrow!

--my new purse

My friend Kristin blogged about her cute new purse the other week and I was introduced to this site.  I mean, who wouldn’t love a site called Handbag Heaven?  Love!  So I passed on a few links to my mom for ideas for birthday presents (she asked!) and she got this purse!  I didn’t realize it was quite as big as it is, but it’s growing on me. 

--winning a cute necklace!


This morning I found out I won this necklace from Fun Fabulous Finds!  It’s from a cute etsy shop called Bohemia Jewellery.  I’m in love with all of their stuff!

So today, I’m thankful for material things and pie.  All the important things.  The end.

Thankful For the Birthday Girl!!

Ten years ago today I became a mom.  Now that little baby girl is 10!  What in the world? 

Becca Boo, I am so proud of you.  Your sweet spirit is a blessing to our family.  You’re a little cuddle bug and while I know that probably won’t be the case in a few years, a Mama can hope!

Artistic and athletic, sweet and sassy.  That’s you in a nutshell. 

We love you and can’t wait to see what the Lord will do in your life!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you a hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

 

 

Month of Thankfulness - Day 24

Today I'm thankful for my family.  We came to my parents' house last night (my 38th birthday, hello! I'm old.).  We're here for a few days and then go to Daniel's parents'.  Traveling for the holidays is a little bit hectic, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

We're just hanging out, playing games, talking, being lazy, and enjoying each other.  And tonight Daniel and I are taking advantage of free babysitting and going out to eat for my birthday.  So yay!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Thankful–Day 22

Today I’m thankful for grace.  My friend Nicki’s blog post today started me thinking about it.  It’s actually about the Santa debate.  And I don’t want to talk about that here, but it made me think about all the decisions we make as parents.  Some seem big and some seem small.  Some we make without really thinking about it and some we agonize over.  This parenting thing is a tad bit overwhelming at times!

Thank you Lord that it’s not all up to me regarding how they turn out, amen?!  I’m grateful for God’s love and for the grace that He gives.  By its very definition it is undeserved and freely given.   And it’s because of His grace that I’ve been saved!  Talk about something to be thankful for!!

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”  Ephesians 2:8

Thankful on the 19th (See? Every other day!)

Today I’m thankful for what the Lord is doing in our lives.  I haven’t blogged about this particular thing and I don’t really know why.  Most of our IRL friends already know, so maybe this is a surprise for about 3 of you. ha!

We’re adopting!  It’s been about 9 months since the Lord started working in our hearts about this, beginning with a conversation with a dear friend.  We’ve chosen to adopt domestically and all of our paperwork in finished.  So right now we’re just waiting and praying.  You are welcome to pray with us!  So excited to see what He will do!

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from becoming polluted by the world."  James 1:27

Thankful on the 17th

Apparently for a few days there I was only thankful every other day! ha!

The kids and I just had a little afternoon snack and they were excited and grateful for the unexpected surprise.   Don’t you love appreciative children?

A friend of ours who rides to church with us sometimes gave the kids a coupon book for free Frosty's.  So we stopped by Wendy’s after the grocery store.   Yum!

So today I’m thankful for thoughtful friends, appreciative kids, and of course, chocolate ice cream!!

 

And here are some cuties for you!

A Month of Thankfulness–Day 16

I’m thankful for a few things today.  Becca has been sick for a few days and she’s feeling better today.  So far only the kids have had this cold.  Thankful that the adults are still well!

My mom is visiting today!  Dad has a meeting in town and she came along.  Right now she is doing school with Hayes.

Thankful for my sweet mama and that she lives close enough to visit for the day!  We are blessed!

Thankfulness Day 14

Becca and I stayed home from church today because she was feeling bad.  She rarely wants to just lie around so I knew she was sick.  But I really missed going to church!  So today, I’m thankful for my church.

I love love love our church.  It’s a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural group of believers in Jesus Christ.  There are about 50 nations represented through the members and missionaries.  The flags from all of those countries hang around the worship center and it is such a neat feeling to see those each week.  To be reminded that church isn’t about the walls around you on a Sunday morning.  We have fellow believers all over the world, worshipping in large buildings, under trees, in tents, in jungles, in freedom and in secret. 

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;  one Lord, one faith, one baptism;  one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”  Ephesians 4: 4-6

(And I’m also thankful that Becca’s feeling better tonight!)

Thankfulness Day 12

The kids and I had a spontaneous field trip to Discovery Place today.  I love my city and am thankful for all the fun things there are to do here! 

Here’s a little look at our day via iPhone pics.

Thankfulness Day 11

I’m thankful for homeschooling today. I’m not the perfect mom (who is?) and I’m definitely not the perfect homeschool mom. I get frustrated and worn out. I snap at the kids, have unrealistic expectations, and doubt my abilities.

And then I have a morning like today.

Here’s what I saw when I got up this morning. (My kids are EARLY risers and their mother is not.)

Not sure about the trashcan, but they were coloring together.

And then this happened.

 

Kind of makes it all worth it to see them learn.

Thankfulness Month–Day 9

Ok first, who can believe I’ve blogged for 9 days straight?

I’m a little shallow (and maybe a teeny bit hormonal) in my thankfulness today. 

The first is one of my absolute favorite holiday treats.

It doesn’t taste quite like a St*rbucks Peppermint Mocha, but it’s the next best (and cheaper!) thing.

 

And these are just two of my favorite treats, period.

Come on.  Dark chocolate AND caramel?  What’s better than that?

Still Thankful!! Day 8

Today I’m thankful for my little guy.  We had a date night tonight at McDonald’s (his choice).  Then we went shopping for his sister’s birthday present.  He’s a pretty fun date.

 

 

I have to tell you what he did today.  (Sorry for the repeat, FB friends!)  We went to the gym this morning and as we pulled into the lot, I hear this from the backseat: Uh, mom?  I forgot my shoes!

So I did what any mom would do.  I carried him on my back into the gym and worked out!  And then I posted about it on Facebook and blogged about it.

A Month of Thankfulness–Day 7

Today I am thankful for my dad.  He recently had a pretty serious surgery and I am so happy to report that he won’t have to have any further treatment.  So now he recovers and my mom drives him around, which I know he LOVES.  (Sorry mom!)  heehee

I don’t know that I’m necessarily a “daddy’s girl.”  I think I’m probably equally a “daddy’s girl” and a “mama’s girl.”    But I love my daddy.  We are pretty close and I can talk to him about anything.  He’s got a fun/silly side and a serious/straight-laced side.  I think I got a little of both of those.  He’ll tell a joke he likes 50 times, until he’s told everyone he knows and will laugh just as hard the first time as the 50th.  Usually laughing till he’s crying and can’t even get the words out.  That always cracks me up. 

Growing up, my dad was strict and no-nonsense, while also being loving, gentle, and fun.  I always knew he loved me, even when he was upset with me or disappointed in my decisions.  My dad (and my mom) led me to Christ at a young age by their actions and their lives, not just with their words.  I wanted to love and serve the God they loved and served.  I had no problem believing that my Heavenly Father loved me because my earthly father pointed me to Him.

Aw, I didn’t know I was going to get all sappy when I started this!  So anyway, here’s my dad.  (My mom will probably kill me for posting this, but it’s literally the only one I could find!)

A Month of Thankfulness

Happy Saturday!! 
Right now I’m thankful for a full, fun day with friends.  We drove a few hours southwest to watch the NC State/Clemson football game.  And although it didn’t turn out like we wanted it to, I’m so glad we went.  It was a gorgeous day, not as cold as we thought it would be.  The kids were well-behaved!  And we got to see an old friend and his daughters and catch up a bit.  On top of all that, we got to spend some long overdue quality time with Chad and Faith, who are always a blast.
So to sum up:  thankful for my family, my friends, a fun day. 
Not so thankful for the Wolfpack.  Or that I didn’t take any pictures.
OH! And thankful for an extra hour of SLEEP!!!!!

A Month of Thankfulness – Day 5

Today I’m just thankful it’s Friday.  I’m not trying to wish my life away, but sometimes I find myself living for the weekends!  And we haven’t even had a rough week! 

I just like spending time my family.  And although I’m with the kids all the time, it’s different when Daniel is here too.  It’s better when the team is all together, you know?

Random pics of the kids hyped up on sugar last weekend. 

Giggle-fest 2010

 

Have any fun plans for the weekend?   

A Month of Thankfulness – Day 4

Today I’m thankful for the rain outside.  I love days like this when we have no plans and can just stay in our pj’s and make rice krispie treats.  We might even do school. :)

I’m also thankful for my sweet husband and how hard he works for our family.  I’ll also be thankful when that work brings him back in town tonight. Even one night away is too much.

Happy Thursday!!

A Month of Thankfulness – Day 3

Today I am thankful for these little knuckleheads.

Even though one of them frequently has an attitude to rival her mother’s at age 16.  And one of them took scissors to his hair and left a nice little bald spot on the top of his head. 

See? Knuckleheads. 

A Month of Thankfulness – Day 2

Today I’m thankful for my sweet in-laws. 

First of all, they raised a great kid.  Well, actually they raised 3 great kids, but I’m partial to the middle one.

Also, they are fabulous grandparents.  Our kids LOVE going to Nana Jewel and Granddaddy’s.  They don’t let them go too crazy but on the other hand they spoil them like nobody’s business.  Just the perfect mix.

And as in-law’s, I hit the jackpot. They treat me like a daughter and I know they love me.  They give their opinion on things but also give us our space.  No in-law jokes around here!

 

Happy birthday Jewel!!

A Month of Thankfulness – Day One

Last night I stayed up WAY too late rereading my own blog.  I really enjoyed seeing old pictures and videos and reading silly things I’d forgotten about.  I went to bed thinking that I need to start blogging again. 

This morning I read Deidre’s post about thankfulness and decided to join her!  I need to focus on blessings around here and this is my favorite time of year (hello, someone has a birthday coming up!) so this is perfect!

Today I’m thankful for:

--My sweet neighbor who made my kids these:

(the back)

 

How precious is that?  She usually gives them a special treat bag at Halloween and always makes us cookies at Christmas.  But this year she went above and beyond!  Becca said, “Mom!  We need to make Miss B cookies AND write her a thank you note!”

--This little guy (nephew Ty)

His dad, my brother is a baseball coach, hence the uniform.  He’s almost 2 and talking up a storm. I could just squeeze him!

That’s what I’m thankful for today!  What about you?  

Random Friday

Random, random, random.  I have lots of random information floating around in my head and my fingers are itching to get it out.  That doesn’t happen often.  Hence, the infrequency of my blogging.  So let’s go with a list, shall we?
1. My husband has been out of town all week long and it is SO good to have him back.  I love that man.  And I just don’t feel right when he’s not around.  Everything just feels…off.

2.  I stuck my finger in my eye last night on accident (don’t ask) and I think I scratched it pretty good with my fingernail.  It hurts like crazy!  It’s too bad I don’t have some cool story about it, but I think I was just going to scratch my face and missed. ha!

3.  We started kindergarten with Hayes a few weeks ago and he is doing so well.  The kid is flying through his math book, doing at least 4 pages a day. 

4.  My little brother is engaged!  He finally asked his girlfriend of 4 years (5 years?) to marry him and they are planning a June ‘11 wedding.  That girl already has her dress and bridesmaid’s dresses!  Mine is in my closet as we speak!  It’s so cute and from JCrew. 

5.  Did I mention my eye hurts?

6.  I really thought I’d get 10 things on this list, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen.

7.  OH!  Have you seen this blog? http://catalogliving.net/  It’s the blog of a lady who I think is an actor/comedienne.  She was looking at a catalog one day and laughing at the set up of the scenes and started making up stories about the people who “lived” in them.  Now it’s a whole blog and some of them just crack me up!  She uses a lot of Pottery B*rn.

8.  Here are some pics from the summer!

4th of July in Blowing Rock

Becca knee boarding for the first time

He snuggled up to Mom and clung to her arm for about the first 5 minutes of the boat ride.

Then he got brave and moved to the front!

Jumping off the boat house

9.  I’m so ready for Fall!!

10.  Hey! I made it to 10!  Happy Friday!!

I think I’m part Brazilian now

I’m not gonna lie.  I love Brazil.  Part of my heart is there.  I’ve been there 5 times now and I love it a little more each time. 

Daniel led our mission trip there again this time and honestly, that’s pretty stressful.  The preparation for the trip was especially frustrating this time and almost made me dread going.  And now after the trip, I can’t even believe I said that!

Daniel with Baby Daniel (yes, named after him!)

Damiana and family, including Baby Wendi

 

After our guys beat the Brazilians 3-0

Not quitting my day job to become a brick mason anytime soon

 

The cutest siblings in all of Brazil

 

Ok, maybe THESE are the cutest siblings

 

Sweet sisters

Our Brazilian daughter, Laura

 

Bailey sharing the gospel with witness bracelets

 

Encouraging the girls to use the bracelets to tell others about Jesus (and they did!)

 

 

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8