Fashion Show

Keeping an umbrella in the car is a good idea.  You never know when you're gonna need one.  (Blessing # 591)  After school last Friday, I picked Jillian up in the pouring rain and then dropped her off at her friend Izzy's birthday party.  Izzy planned a "Fashion Show" at the end of the party for her 8 little friends, and asked each of the girls to bring with an outfit that they wanted to model in the "Fashion Show."  Jillian wasn't too sure she wanted to be part of a fashion show until I suggested an outfit that I knew she'd love to wear.

When we traveled to China, we bought several traditional Chinese outfits for both Jillian and Jenica, in a variety of sizes and colors.  (#592)  (Things in China are really cheap!)  And Izzy's Fashion Show was an ideal opportunity to go through our "treasures from China box" and find an outfit for Jillian.  We found a 2-piece set in Jillian's favorite color, red.  Perfect!  We also found red Chinese shoes that Jenica once wore, along with a red Chinese parasol. 

Izzy told the girls they could bring along a teddy bear or doll to carry during the Fashion Show.  We were in luck!  Jillian has an Asian American Girl doll that fits perfectly with her "China" theme.  (#593)  Izzy and her American Girl doll wore matching outfits, and Izzy carried a red rose.

There are only four girls in Jillian's first grade class, so I had them pose for a picture at the end of the party.  Izzy's mom gave each of the girls a medal around their neck and a princess crown, Jillian's medal was for the "Most Worldly."  (#594) 

Jillian may have been a little unsure about modeling at a Fashion Show at the beginning of the week, but by the time I picked her up from the party, she was asking me if she could have her own fashion show sometime.  It's fun to see Jillian flex her courage muscles and try something new. (#595)  If Izzy would have asked everyone to wear a football outfit and plan on a game of touch footballl, Jillian would have been totally comfortable.  The Fashion Show took her out of her comfort zone, but she discovered just how much fun it could be and came home modeling a big smile as well.

Two Crooked Smiles

I broke a tooth a couple nights ago, and Dr. Grant was kind enough to squeeze me into his schedule yesterday at 4pm.  (Blessing #585)  I'm so glad I didn't have to wait very long.  I had Jillian with me at the dentist office, of course.  But before Jillian left for school yesterday morning, she showed me a BIG yellowish bump on her gum on the top right side.  Oh, my stars!  It looked awful! 

It was bothering her, and hurt to eat on that side.  So when I walked into the dentist office to get my tooth fixed yesterday,  I asked Grant to take a peek at Jillian's sore spot on her gum and let me know what he thought. 

Abscessed tooth.   Great…  (can you sense the sarcasm?)

I said, “and what do I do about that?”  Suddenly, a look of fear appeared on the hygienist's face as she tried to find the words to answer my question.  Grant quickly broke the silence as he smiled and patted Jillian’s shoulder, and in his oh-so-gentle demeanor said, “we can fix it, sweetheart.”  He's so great with kids.  (#586)

30 minutes later, Jillian climbed out of her chair, slightly trembling at the thought of what she just experienced, with a look in her eye that said "what just happened to me?"  She flexed her courage muscles and was a brave little girl.  (#587)  As we walked towards the door, Kay said “Jillian, you’d better let your mom drive home today.  I don’t think you should probably drive this afternoon.”  Kay sent us out the door and on our way with two very crooked smiles and orders to eat soft ice cream for supper.  Both of us.  (#588)

We both had crooked smiles, which made the unpleasant experience a little better because it was shared between the bond of mother and daughter.  Something that was a gift, of sorts . . .  That we weren’t alone in our misery.  I knew how she felt, and she knew how I felt.  (#589)

Jillian kept saying “dumb” instead of “numb,” which added a little silliness to the experience Jillian and I shared.   Even this morning, she’s still talking about her “dumb tooth.”  And how the “dentist made her tooth dumb.”  Not dumb Jillian.  Numb.   She was off to school this morning without the aid of Tylenol or ibuprofen.  (#590)  All was well, and her focus quickly shifted to the birthday party for Izzy that she'd be attending this afternoon.  

Childhood Memories

There are certain things that remind me of my childhood.  Certain smells, tastes, and sounds.  And I love when those memories return and come into vision once again. (Blessing #581)   Having Paul, Erin, and I together at the same time doesn't happen very often, but memories of the "olden days" (as Jillian likes to say) come to the surface whenever we're all together.

(Taken at Jacob's graduation last year - it's hard to get a picture when someone isn't goofing around.  Straighten up, Chad!)

Memories . . .

We talk of the times when we'd pack our metal lunch boxes and head into the pasture to explore and look for treasures.  Sometimes we'd just climb onto the big round bales of straw next to the cattle corral and eat the snacks we packed - mini-marshmallows, chocolate chips, dry cereal, koolaid, and whatever else we could find in the cupboards.  We made forts, tee-pees, bike ramps, dirt roads and man-made ponds for matchbox cars, and even burried oreo cookies in a sandwich bag to see if they were still there the next day.  Those were the days when you could only get 3 channels on the TV, and when we spent hours outside creating fun.  

Last weekend, Aunt Joyce made Paul's favorite salad, green jello with pears.  Grandma D often made that same salad when we gathered for Paul's birthday parties.  Memories.  Joyce also brought her yummy chocolate "Turtle Cookies" (#582), which my grandma used to make for us on her waffle iron. I make them once in a while, but mine never taste as good as Aunt Joyce's.  

I remember my grandparents making rootbeer floats for us kids, whenever we spent time at their house.  My grandpa D especially enjoyed them.  Which is why we still celebrate Gpa's birthday by making rootbeer floats.  It's just one of the many ways we remember Gpa and Gma.  Last weekend, Erin made everyone rootbeer floats while Paul's family was back.  And so the tradition continues. (#583)

Traditions make special memories and bind families together.  (#584)  They are with us forever, long after childhood.   They are a gift.

Jam Packed

My goodness . . . Last weekend was jam packed with all the activities centered around Jillian's birthday, Adam's birthday, and my brother's family being "home" for a few short, yet very full, days.  We definitely made the most of our time while Paul and Alimah were back from Arizona.  (Blessing #577)  Plus, Jenica threw two track meets into the mix.  I love when she has track meets at home, because then I'm able to go home when Jenica's not competing.  (#578)  And I really needed to get stuff ready during that down time.

 

After Jenica's final race, we headed home to finish preparations for Friday night. 

On the menu? RUNZAS!  When you're from Nebraska and then move away, you've GOT to have a Runza at least once while you're back.  Of course, the time Chad got to be in the TV Runza commercial always makes it into the conversation. ". . . fresh bread, an abundance of meat . . . it helps us win football games."    (#579)   However, Chad isn't the only one signing autographs.  Paul is breaking into the circle of "fame" after his appearance on National Geographic's "Navajo Cops" last week. 

Paul & Alimah

I got this fun idea for our drinking glasses from Pinterest. 

Adam & Jillian enjoying rootbeer floats

Lily and Sami

It was so much fun, getting all the little cousins together.  It doesn't happen very often, so we treasure these times.  They are a blessing.  (#580)

Reason To Celebrate

It's so easy to get kids out of bed at 6:30 am when it's their birthday.  And yesterday was no different.  Jillian's feet hit the floor running when Jenica's alarm (her dad's voice) sounded at 6:30 am.  (Blessing #571) 

She opened presents before school, and walked up the sidewalk to the playground with a bounce in her step.  (#572)  I showed up at school, at the end of the day, with star cookies (and camera) in hand.  Jillian passed out the cookies to each of her friends, including Mrs. Petersen, and the kids loved the words on their cookie:  You Are A Star.  As I mentioned before, they're the best sugar cookies in the world.  (See recipe below)  Two of the kids even asked me for the recipe.  It's not every day that a 1st grader asks me for a recipe.  But it sure made my heart smile.  (#573)

When I asked if I could take a picture, they knew exactly what to do and got in lines with the tallest in back, with a couple "class leaders" quickly giving instructions to those who needed assistance.  I was really impressed by how well it all came together. (#574)  Usually everyone wants to stand in back, but not this group of kiddos.  And of course, they wanted a "silly picture" in the mix also.  

For dinner last night (or "supper" to us country folk), we had a house full of fun as we got the party started.  My brother and his wife arrived from Arizona earlier in the day, and their little guy Adam turned 7 on Monday, so we were able to celebrate two birthdays yesterday.   It's the first time we've been able to celebrate Adam's birthday with him.  (#575)  Jillian's great-grandma Bernie brought her famous orange Jello with her, and the meal was perfect for anyone who's a Kid at heart. ~ Hot Dogs, hamburgers, jello, cheetos, funions, mac-n-cheese, corn on the cob, and Alimah's famous potato salad (which was more for the adults than the kids).  Oh, and bottles of rootbeer, cream soda, and orange crush. 

And it just wouldn't be a Bailey-style party without a few HUGE fireworks from our in-house pyrotech Uncle Dave.  (#576)

Here is a slide-show of photos I put together for you, so you can get a brief visual of how we celebrated Jillian's 8th birthday. 

Jillian's 8th Birthday from Janet Bailey on Vimeo.

Buttermilk Sugar Cookies
Cream:  1 c. butter and 2 cups sugar.
Add:  2 eggs and beat well
Sift together:  5 c. flour
                      1/2 tsp. soda
                      1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
                      1 tsp. salt
Add alternately with 1 cup buttermilk to the butter/sugar mixture.
Roll out and cut.
Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes on middle rack. 

Icing
2 cups powdered sugar
2 TB water (or more)
1/2 tsp. lemon juice

Buttercream Decorator Frosting
1/2 cup crisco (white)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (use clear vanilla if you want pure white frosting)
1/2 tsp. almond flavoring
4 cups powdered sugar
2 TB milk

Happy Birthday Jillian

As I think about the last 24 years, I stand in awe at God's perfect plan to create our family.  (I know what you're thinking . . . we don't look NEAR old enough to have been married 24 years ago . . . right?) 

8 years ago today, a beautiful baby girl was born, half-way around the world.  Her birth mother loved her dearly, yet she knew that keeping her tiny baby wasn't an option for her.  So she made a very brave, loving, and self-sacrificing decision.  God watched over Jillian and carefully worked out all the details (as only He could) to give her a Forever family.   Back here in the US, we had already submitted our application to Holt International, and paperwork had begun to bring Jillian home.  To the home God had planned for her.  Jillian grew in our hearts day by day, and God's plan was revealed as we waited (and waited) to hold that sweet little girl in our arms once and for all.  Our family became complete the day Jillian was born.  God has big plans for her!  He planned it long ago, before the foundation of the world.  And I am thankful and extremely blessed to be part of her journey.  I'm thankful that God chose me to be her mommy.  (Blessing #570)

Happy Birthday Jillian!

Psalm 139:13-16

¹³ You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
¹⁵ You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
¹⁶ You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.

Plan B

Things don't always go as planned.  But I can always find a blessing, hidden in the situation, if I look hard enough.  (Blessing # 560)

Last Saturday, I began preheating the oven when all of a sudden . . . Snap . . . Sizzle . . . Zap . . . FIRE!   Thankfully, it was only a small fire, and Chad was standing right next to the oven (doing dishes, I might add - #561), and could shut it off right away (#562).  The heating element went out with a bang.  I'm also thankful for on-line parts ordering (#563), but it won't be here until Thursday.  In the meantime, I am without an oven.  Which would be fine most weeks.  However . . .

Tomorrow is Jillian's Birthday!

And I have treats to make and a cake to bake!

When I asked Jillian what she'd like to take for treats, she said, "star-shaped cookies with red frosting that say "You Are A Star" so each of her friends will feel good about being special."  Awww . . . such a heart of compassion.    (#564)

However, I kind of needed an oven in order to satisfy her wishes.  Thus, Plan B.

Our church has two ovens, which would really help speed things up.  (See, a blessing in disguise.)  (#565)  So I went to the church to bake 40 giant star cookies and a 2-layer cake this morning.  It's the best sugar cookie recipe ever!   Secret ingredient:  buttermilk.

After I got home, I began mixing up frosting . . . and frosting . . . and more frosting. 

After Jillian's bath, she and Jenica went out to jump on the trampoline.  She said "it'll be the last time I get to jump on the trampoline as a 7-year-old."  (sniff, sniff) She's so sentimental.  (#566) 

Here's another example . . .

Our garage door died a couple weeks ago, and we got a new one installed on Monday while she was in school.  (Finally!  #567)  When she got home from school, I said "I have a surprise for you, Jillian!"  (I got a little excited about a new garage door since we hadn't been able to get our cars into the garage for over 2 weeks.)  Anyway, Jillian looked at the new door with a sad face and said, "I didn't get to say good-bye to our old one." 

Tomorrow's her BIG day.  (#568)   Age 8.  Wow!  I can't believe she's already going to be 8.  Stay tuned for Party details. 

Blessing #569 - Super excited that my little brother and his wife are flying in from Arizona tomorrow. 

Dance Recital Picture Day

Jillian began taking dance lessons last fall.  And she absolutely LOVES it!  Miss Shari says "she's a natural!"  It's fun to see Jillian's excitement about it, and she isn't worried about messing up.  She's having fun and doesn't feel pressure to be perfect (Blessing #565), which is something we've really been trying hard to help her overcome. 

Saturday was "Picture Day" for all the dance recital students, including Jillian.  Jenica and I felt like hair and makeup artists, and we had lots of fun getting her all dolled-up and ready for pictures.   (#566)  

 

She loved the idea of wearing makeup, but because she has a much nicer "tan" than I do, we had to really search for some blush that was dark enough to show up against her beautiful skin.  And putting mascara on those tiny lashes was a challenge, but we did it.

It wasn't until we put on her costume, that we realized she had a visable tattoo that needed to come off!  Ooops!

We headed to the dance studio for pictures, and Jillian was loving every minute of it.  She felt so beautiful and walked with a skip in her step.  (#557)

While she was waiting her turn for an individual photo, she and her friend Maggie posed for quick picture in their ballet costumes.  The recital is "Snow White" this year, and the first graders are "flowers". 

Jillian felt so pretty, so she wanted pictures with mommy and Jenica after we got home.  She was in such a good mood for the rest of the day.  (#558)

And in a couple weeks, we get to do this all over again for the actual Recital.  (#559) But the memories of Jillian's first "Picture Day" will last a really long time. 

King Arthur

I recently discovered a new baking flour, learned why it's better for my family, and even talked our local grocery store (Holdrege Marketplace) into carrying it on their shelves.  (Blessing #563)  Shop local!

I've been baking with it for a couple weeks now, and no one in my family has even noticed.  (hee hee hee)  I'm sneaking in some healthier ingredients when no one is watching.(#564)

King Arthur's White Whole Wheat Flour.

What is it?  Keep reading . . .

Source:  KingArthurFlour.com
King Arthur Unbleached White Whole Wheat Flour is a 100% whole wheat flour that’s lighter colored, milder tasting, and a somewhat finer grind than standard red whole wheat flour.

Don’t misunderstand – white whole wheat (milled from white, rather than red wheat berries) is WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR (not “white” flour).  Nothing is added and nothing is taken away. It has all the fiber and nutrition of traditional whole wheat, but acts much more like white flour in your baking. 

Which is a good thing, for those of us who don’t love the taste of whole wheat.

Substitute white whole wheat flour for up to 50% of the all-purpose flour in cookie, brownie, muffin, pancake and quick bread recipes to yield a baked treat that’s just as tasty as the original, with the benefits of increased fiber, vitamins and minerals. 

Warning: don’t make an angel food cake with it! But banana bread? Chocolate chip cookies? Blueberry muffins? Go for it!


And if you want an abundance of recipes for using White Whole Wheat Flour, just click on this link, which takes you right to the King Arthur website.

Try it!  You'll like it!  And you're family won't notice a difference.  In fact, Jillian told me this afternoon, "these are the best cookies ever, mom!" 

For these cookies, I just followed the recipe on the back of the chocolate chip bag, using half all-purpose flour AND half white whole wheat flour.  (See recipe below)

You'll notice that the cookies on the right are darker than those on the left.  That's because the phone rang just before the timer went off, and I got side tracked for a few minutes.  But all is well . . . because these are the perfect crunchiness for dunking in milk. 

Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1-2 tsp vanilla

Cream the above ingredients, then add 2 eggs.
Next, add the following:

• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup White Whole Wheat flour
• 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

Mix well, then stir in 1 pkg chocolate chips.  Scoop onto greased air-bake cookie sheets.

Bake at 375 degrees for 9 1/2 minutes.  Eat a couple while still warm - they're the best!

Is There An Event For "Socializing?"

You may remember, Jenica missed the first two weeks of track practice thanks to a fractured growth plate in her ankle.  But she's not going to let that stop her.  (Blessing #559)  If it were me, I'd probably milk it for all I could and take my time, easing back into it slowly.  Not Jenica.  She gets her competitive spirit from her dad. 

Getting ready to take the blocks for her "100" heat.

Yesterday was Jenica's first track meet of the season.  She loves getting out of school early to travel to her meets.  She loves chatting with her friends during the bus ride.  And she loves to socialize during the meet.  If there were an event called "Socializing," she'd be the first to sign up.  Which is probably why she went out for track again this year.  To socialize.  (I wonder who she gets that from?)

Yesterday, she compteted in the Pole Vault, the 100, and the 200. 

And her ankle remained strong.  We're grateful that she only missed a couple weeks of practice, and that her fracture had healed in time for her to compete.  (#560)  It's so hard for her to just watch from the sidelines. 

Yesterday was a cloudy, windy day.  But we were grateful for the few times that the clouds opened up and allowed some warm rays of sunshine to reach the field.  (#561)

I got a few photos of her running events, but my photography skills are lacking.  Check out this nice blur as she nears the finish line on the 200.

It's fun to support Jenica by traveling to her track meets.  Even though her events only last a few minutes, the whole meet can take several hours.  I enjoy socializing with the other parents during her "downtime".  I guess that's one "event" I get to participate in at every one of Jenica's track meets.  (#562)  So, now we know who Jenica gets it from.  =)

He Is Risen

Happy Easter!

Living, He loved me

Dying, He saved me

Buried, He carried my sins far away

Rising, He justified freely forever

One day He’s coming

Oh glorious day, oh glorious day

By His Stripes, We Are Healed

Jenica headed off with our youth group in two church vans at 8am to do some "grunt-work" at Camp Timberlake, just down the road from us a couple hours.  She volunteered.  No one twisted her arm.  She even got up at 7:03 (her request) on a day off from school.  It was clean-up day at Timberlake, and boy, did they work hard.  All day.   (Blessing #555)

The rest of us headed down the road to spend the afternoon with Chad's parents, enjoying a little quality time with them on this Easter weekend.  (#556)

After we got home, Jillian and I stumbled upon the 1999 movie "Jesus" on one of the channels, and we were quickly drawn in.  (#557) Jillian had lots of questions, so we'd pause the channel while I answered each one for her.  Sometimes, we'd have to rewind just a smidge so she could hear it (or see it) again.  Her eyes were glued to the TV. 

What an incredible sacrifice Jesus made for us.  (#558)

Bearing the weight of our sins.  Yet he did nothing wrong.  He didn't deserve that punishment.  We did.  My eyes can't help but fill with tears.  Tears for the pain He endured because of me.  I put those nails in His hands.  Tears for his mother, and the wretched pain she must have felt as she watched her son die such a horrible, undeserving death.  As a mother myself, I can't imagine the heartache Mary felt. 

I am humbled.  That Jesus would do this for me.  He is my Blessed Redeemer.  He conquered death.  And because of Jesus, I am set free.  Oh, how I love Him.  My praises will forever raise high.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."  Isaiah 53:5

New Recipe Is A Hit

Oh.  My.  Goodness.   Tonight's dinner (or "supper" to the country folk) was
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!  (Blessing #552)  

(And Jillian's dirt-pudding dessert wasn't too bad, either.)

source:  Pioneer Woman

Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce.  It was easy.  Took only 30 minutes to prepare.  And even Jillian liked it!  (That's a major accomplishment for my sweet, little, and extremely picky eater.)   (#553)

I happened to watch Pioneer Woman a while back, and she made this recipe on the show.  It sounded delicious, so I printed out the recipe. 

If you want her step-by-step instructions, along with photos, click here.

Here's the easy-peasy recipe:

Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time:  20 minutes

4-5 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 TB Olive Oil
2 TB Butter
3 whole garlic cloves, minced
1 c. dry white wine (or brandy)
1 TB (heaping) Dijon Mustard
1 TB (heaping) Grainy Mustard
1/4-1/2 c. Heavy Cream
1/4-1/2 c. Chicken broth
salt & pepper to taste

Cut chicken breats in half lengthwise so you have eight smaller, thinner chicken cutlets.  Salt and pepper both sides.

Heat oil and butter in large skillet over med-high heat.  Cook cutlets on both sides until nice and golden brown and cooked through.  Remove chicken from skillet and keep on a plate.

Source:  Pioneer Woman

Reduce heat to medium.  Add garlic and saute for a minute, stirring to make sure it won't burn.  Next, pour in wine and let it bubble up and cook until it's reduced by half.  Throw in the mustards and stir to combine, then pour in the cream. 

Source:  Pioneer Woman

Stir in chicken broth, adding more if sauce seems too thick. 

Add chicken breasts back to pan, nestling them into the sauce.  Allow sauce to cook for another few minutes, turning over the chicken a couple times to cover with sauce.  Serve chicken, spooning the sauce over the top.

Delicious!!

And for dessert?    DIRT PUDDING!

Jillian helped me make it after school today.  I love it when Jillian helps me in the kitchen.  (#554)  She loves it too.  When I asked her if we should use plastic flower pots or clear cups, she quickly picked "flower pots."  Good choice.

As a side note. . . when Jenica was a little girl, she wanted me to make dirt cups instead of birthday cake for her birthday.  That's when we got these flower pots from the local flower shop.  I'm glad I kept them!

(The girls got into the Oreos yesterday afternoon, so I had to buy another bag of Oreos today.)

Dirt Pudding
1 pkg Oreoz, crushed (16 oz.)
2 c. Cold Milk
1 pkg (4 serving size) Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding
1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip (or less)
8 flower pots (or clear punch cups)

Crush cookies in food processor, or plastic bag with rolling pin.

Pour milk into large bowl.  Add pudding mix.  Beat with wire whisk until well blended, 1-2 minutes.  Let stand 5 minutes.

Stir in whipped topping and half the crushed Oreos.

Place 1-2 TB crushed cookies into cups.  Fill cups about 3/4 full with pudding mixture.  Top with remaining crushed cookies.  Refrigerate 1 hour.  Decorate with gummy worms before serving. 

March Joy Dare

Each month, the One Thousand Gifts blog, throws out a challenge called The Joy Dare.  Last month, I printed out the March Joy Dare and looked for glimpses of God's glory, grace, and goodness as I went through each day.  The Joy Dare suggests 3 Gifts to look for each day of the month.  His love.  His amazing love, poured out on us. 

And so to spread the Joy, I'm going to share my list with you.  (Blessings #459-551)

3 Gifts at 3pm
~ Working on this week's Coaches Wives Bible Study
~ A text from Jacob
~ The smell of my "sparkling cinnamon" Yankee Candle (a gift from Jacob)

3 Gifts Green
~ grass beginning to turn from brown to green thanks to warm weather and rain
~ Jacob's green "Trinity Red" t-shirt from his summer softball team - just washed, dried, & folded.
~ the house plants that I've managed to keep alive

3 Gifts Wore
~ this year's state basketball t-shirt, a sign of hard-work and dedication from coaches and players
~ wearing two pairs of socks, in attempt to keep my feet warm during the cold winter months
~ my wedding ring

3 Gifts Hard
~ Letting go of control
~ Parenting - it keeps me on my knees
~ Paying for Jacob's (expensive) car insurance - and thankful he's still with us after his horrible car accident in 2006

3 Gifts Found
~ The mail - I lost it. I knew I got the mail out of the mailbox.  But where did I put it?  At last, it was found.  Still in the mailbox.
~ A new recipe, thanks to Pinterest
~ The song "Pray" by Kendall Payne - perfect compliment to our Bible Study tonight.

A Gift Bent, Broken, and Beautiful
~ Bent - crooked fingers and the effects of living with rheumatoid arthritis for over 20 years
~ Broken - Jesus' body, broken for me
~ Beautiful - a text from Jacob that says "I love you, Mom."

3 Gifts in Kitchen
~ A really cool silicone splatter guard, a gift from Sami
~ Egg cartons, filled with farm-fresh eggs from generous friends
~ Jenica and a friend, giggling while decorating cupcakes on a Friday night

3 Gifts Loud
~ Girls having fun and laughing in the family room downstairs
~ Cardinal's song always sounds loudest in the morning, as I lie in bed wishing I could sleep just a little longer
~ Windows open on a warm spring day, allowing the sound of a spray plane taking off to become even louder.

3 Gifts Carved
~ LaVerne's rocking chair - a special memory
~ Full moon's reflection, carved into the rippling water of the Platte River below
~ The Cross that hangs in our home, hand-crafted by friends of my parents

3 Gifts In Christ
~ Peace that surpasses all understanding
~ His Sacrificial Love
~ Life eternal

3 Gifts Read
~ Amelia Bedelia, with Jillian
~ Romans 4
~ A note from Jillian's music teacher, announcing their upcoming Spring Program

A Gift in Wind, Water, and White
Wind - The US flag, blowing strong against the bright blue spring sky
Water - My husband's hands, doing supper dishes for me
White - Bright white moon, perched high in the morning blue sky, on the way to school

3 Gifts Round
~ Big orange ball of fire, rising above the horizon, giving light to my day
~ Grapefruit, handpicked and delivered by my parents upon their return home from TX
~ Circle of coaches wives that faithfully meet each week at Beth's home

3 Gifts Found In Silence
~ Sitting in a quiet house, daughter doing homework, windows open as the sounds of spring floats inside
~ Biting my lip, to avoid an "I told you so" moment.
~ Sleep - aahhhhhh.....

3 Gifts Given Away
~ Old gently used toys to our local daycare and church nursery
~ St. Patrick's Day cookies delivered to 2 different neighbors
~ 3 Mountain Dew Throwbacks, hand-delivered to energize the soccer coaches on their first away game of the season

3 Hard Eucharisteos
~ Having 3 children, each with heart defects
~ Watching those I love go through difficult times
~ Health challenges that will never go away on this side of eternity

A Gift Turned, Folded, and Hung
Turned - Farm fresh eggs made into scrambled eggs for breakfast
Folded - Pesto Bread - kneaded and folded into a delicious blend of savory flavors
Hung - Intricate Danish cut-out hearts from my Aunt Joyce, hung on my hallway mirror

3 Gifts Red
~ The blood of Christ, shed for me
~ The color of "good luck" in China
~ Antique Quilts made of red fabric

3 Gifts Eaten
~ Still enjoying fresh Texas grapefruit - juicy, tart, yet sweet - from my parents
~ Pesto Bread - It's amazing! 
~ Digesting the Word of God - Ephesians 4 - in preparation for our Coaches Wives Bible Study

3 Gifts That Made You Laugh
~ On the way to school, Jillian trying to get her backpack on upside down
~ Jillian's immitation of Kung Fu Panda
~ Sharing laughter (over such silly things) with group of friends

A Gift Salty, Sweet, and Just Right
Salty - memories of playing in the salty ocean last summer
Sweet - "Bunny Mix" m&ms
Just Right - Beef Stew, made in my pressure cooker

3 Gifts Found In His Word
~  Suffering isn't in vain.  God doesn't waste a hurt.  "Rejoice in our suffering, because suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.  And our hope is in Christ Jesus."  Romans 5:3-5
~ God's grace rescues us.  It's nothing we have done.  It's all by grace.  "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - not by works, so that no one can boast."  Ephesians 2:8-9
~ God is sufficient.  I can trust Him to meet all my needs.  "So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?"'  Hebrews 13:6

3 Gifts Found In Women
~ The passion seen in my dear friend's life, as she coaches women on fitness, a healthy relationship with food, and recognizing their beauty within. 
~ An old friend, who longs to make the difference in the lives of women half-way across the world on her 2-week missions trip to India.
~ Kisses From Katie - her amazing heart of love for orphans

3 Gifts Spoken
~ A husband who tells me I'm beautiful, even when I look my worst.
~ "I love you, mom." from my teenage daughter.
~ Sharing our "sweets" and "sours" with Jillian at bedtime.

A Gift Sung, Written, And Painted
Sung - Praise and Worship at church
Written - God's Word
Painted - Lines painted on the grass, marking the soccer fields for spring soccer

3 Gifts Almost Gone
~ Grapefruit from Texas - only a couple left
~ Freshly brewed green tea - I need to get more tea bags
~ Jenica's middle school years are coming to a close quickly

3 Gifts Redeemed
~ I've been redeemed by the blood of Jesus
~ Jillian's "Book-It" coupon for a free personal pan pizza upon completion of her book goals
~ No matter what mistakes we've made, God's mercies are new every morning.

3 Gifts Entwined
~ Jillian's braided hair
~ My husband and children's hearts with mine
~ The Invisible Red Thread

3 Gifts Of HIS Promises
~ Jeremiah 29:11
~ Isaiah 49:13
~ Philippians 4:19

3 Gifts Uncovered
~ Jenica's foot - doc says "she no longer has to wear her boot."
~ Saturday mornings - a day for sleeping late . . . one by one we pulled back the covers to begin the day.  First Chad.  Then Jillian.  Then me.  And finally, Jenica.
~ God's Word - when the words on the pages come alive and speak truth to my heart.

A Gift Heard, Held, Hoped For
Heard - our kids and neighbor kids, laughing and enjoying the 85 degree weather with a water fight.
Held - Jillian climbing into my lap
Hoped For - That Jillian's "China-mom" would come to know Jesus as her personal Savior so she and Jillian could spend all of eternity together.  


Who wants to print out the April Joy Dare and start counting the Gifts?


James 1:17 "Every good and perfect Gift is from above..."

April Fools

As the head chef, I get to plan the menu for my family.  And the menu on April Fools Day is especially fun for me.  (Blessing #456) 

"Cupcakes" for lunch, anyone? 

Jillian was so pumped that mommy let her have 3 cupcakes for lunch.  (#457)  Thumbs up, Jillian!

 

However . . . These aren't your typical cupcakes.  (insert evil laugh)

Jillian took one bite and a look of confusion quickly appeared.  She said "these cupcakes taste different."

"That's because it's really meatloaf topped with tinted mashed potatoes, Jillian!" 

Surprise! 

Jacob and Jenica knew about my little trick. I made these before, when Jenica was about 5.  She never forgave me.  Well, maybe she did,.  But she still talks about how mad she got when I fooled her.  It was a recipe I found in the Family Fun magazine.  This time around, I made real cupcakes for dessert.  I didn't do that when Jenica was little, which was what really got me in trouble with my little princess-with-the-huge-sweet-tooth.  I learned my lesson. 

And for dessert . . .

Real chocolate cupcakes with real buttercream frosting.  (#458)

April Fools Cupcakes
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
6 TB ketchup
2 eggs
1 tsp Rosemary Blend seasoning
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. chili pepper
1 tsp. basil
approximately 6 cups mashed potatoes (I like to add a little garlic and sour cream to them)

Line 24 muffin tin cups with foil baking cups. Mix together all meat loaf ingredients until well combined.  Divide the mixture evenly among lined cups, about 3/4 full.  Bake at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes or until heated through. 

Divide the mashed potatoes among three small bowls and stir a few drops of food coloring into each batch to create different colors of "frosting".  Spread a generous dollop on each cupcake before serving.