Jillian got something new Monday. Somethings she has always wanted. Something that has made her the happiest girl in the world. (Blessing #1068)
I picked her up after school and said, "today's the day, Jillian."
In her excitement, she said, "I've been waiting my whole life for this." Yeah, Jillian . . . all 8 years of it.
Do you notice anything different? She no longer has to get her glasses at Claire's. She's got the real thing now! No more fake glasses for Jillian. A couple weeks ago, she got moved to the back row in class and noticed that the board looked fuzzy. We set up an appointment, and the eye doctor confirmed it. She needed glasses. You'd a thought she just won a life's supply of ring pops.
Yesterday, we celebrated Chad's parents 50th Anniversary with an open house, followed by a turkey dinner with his family. (Blessing #1065). Ken & Keron also moved this weekend (today) to retirement housing at the Good Sam Village in Hastings. It's a really nice place, with lots of activities for each of them. It even has a little golf course, which has all the guys chomping at the bit to get out there and swing their clubs.
My camera broke yesterday, so the pictures didn't turn out very well. I've been holding the battery compartment together with a piece of packing tape for months, and I'm thankful the tape squeezed a few more months out of a broken camera for me. (#1066) But now the flash has stopped working. Plus, if it actually did take a picture, it would take about 60 seconds after holding the button to finally snap the photo. I may get an early Christmas gift this week. There are so many memories to capture during the Holidays, right?
Here is a picture of Chad, his brothers, his sister, and his parents. Below is a picture of his parents with all their grandkids and even 1 great-grandchild.
I'm thankful for Chad, who came along as a result of their marriage. The best gift Ken & Keron ever gave me. (#1067)
I really can't believe that November is over half-way over and Thanksgiving is this week! Where, oh where, has the semester gone? I glance back at Jacob's high school years and think, man that went fast! And already, Jenica is closing in on her first semester of high school. I know these next 3 1/2 years will go by at record speeds for me.
Which is why I want to be intentional about looking for the blessings in each and every day. Being intentional results in blessings. (#1019) I printed off the November Joy Dare the first day of the month and am keeping up with my list. Are you?
I shared my list with you back on Day 3, but that was only a few days. So I thought I'd share the rest of my November Joy Dare list with you in hopes that it motivates you to search for the special gifts, whether big or small, that come your way each and every day.
Day 4 - A Gift Gathered, Given, and Good 1. Gathered - around the dinner table after church - all 5 of us! Doesn't happen much any more. (#1020) 2. Given - backrubs. Ahhhh..... (#1021) 3. Good - fellowship and laughter with our small group. (#1022)
Day 5 - Acorn Small 1. My wedding ring and the promises it represents. I lost it when Jacob was about 8, and went for 6 months without it on my hand, until Jacob found it. (#1023) 2. The tiny K-Love icon on my iPad, connecting me to positive and encouraging songs and short messages of hope. (#1024) 3. My secret stash (so they last longer) of Dove's milk chocolate squares and the "Promise" inside each wrapper. #1025)
Day 6 - In Government 1. It's both a gift and a priviledge to vote according to our own personal values. No one is forcing us to vote a specific way, and both men and women alike have the right to vote. Also, noticing a comment on facebook from a former student of Chad's, stating that she went out and voted for the first time this year. (#1026) 2. That God hand-picked our forefathers who founded our country on faith. "In God We Trust." (#1027) 3. No matter how the election turns out, God still reigns, and He's still on His throne. We can trust in His sovereignty. Completely. (#1028)
Day 7 - From My Window 1. A beautiful sunrise - the sun's reminder of God's presense as He filled the morning sky with His artwork. (#1029) 2. Country living - Am grateful I can see for miles from the windows in our home. (#1030) 3. Stars - driving home with my family after the "Silver Ring Thing" and noticing the star-lit sky in full view from my car window. (#1031)
Day 8 - Sweet, Salty, Sipped 1. Puppy chow - finishing off the last few pieces (for breakfast) (#1032) 2. Popcorn, the "healthy way", as an after school snack with the girls. Just put 1/4 cup of kernals in a small brown lunch bag, fold over the end a couple times, and pop for 3 minutes in the microwave on high. When it's finished, spray lightly with Pam spray and sprinkle with salt. "Easy peasy, lemon squeezy," as Jillian would say. (#1033) 3. Diet coke, ice cold. (#1034)
Day 9 - Harvest 1. Great fall weather, lasting a long time this year. (#1035)
2. The harvest of praying for and releasing my 20 yo son. Seeing his heart for the Lord. (#1036) 3. Shelves full of canned tomatoes from our garden, awaiting the next pot of chili. (#1037)
Day 10 - Bible Reading 1. John 15:13 - thinking about Veteran's Day (#1038) 2. Psalm 37:4 - count your blessings, and you will find joy. (#1039) 3. Ephesians 2:10 - it doesn't matter what others think of me; God vote is the only one that counts (#1040)
Day 11 - Rememberance 1. What Jesus did for me on the cross (#1041) 2. A life-long friend in Lincoln, whom I'll get to spend time with this week. (#1042) 3. The most treasured trip ever taken - our adoption journey in China that gave me 18 uninterrupted days with my family - as we celebrate our 6th anniversary of that trip this month. (#1043)
Day 12 - At Noon 1. scanning pictures (lots of them) for a project, remembering the years gone by. (#1044) 2. Sunshine bright, giving the impression of warmth, even though it's cold today. (#1045) 3. Grateful that the tomatoey stain next to the red stitching on Jillian's new white shirt came out perfectly. (#1046)
Day 13 - Behind a Door 1. My Curves fitness club, where everyone is accepted, flaws and all. (#1047) 2. The massage I've needed for weeks finally fits into my schedule. (#1048) 3. The faint sounds of Chinese Lullabies as Jillian drifts into dreamland. (#1049)
Day 14 - Silent 1. The setting sun, colorful and radiant, bursting of God's greatness. (#1050) 2. Quiet tears streaming down my cheeks as I recognize the hurt my daughter's dealing with, silently asking God for the right words. (#1051) 3. A quiet home, everyone else tucked in bed, while I search for wisdom in God's Word. (#1052)
Day 15 - Golden 1. Sharing my pain and praying with a friend, whom God put in my path at just the right moment today. (#1053) 2. Jillian's smile when I picked her up from school. (#1054) 3. My hope, being found in Jesus and not in people or things. (#1055)
Day 16 - Hard Eucharistos 1. Helping my child make sense of the pain she's experiencing because of the choices of others who have hurt her. (#1056) 2. The fresh reminder that people will always disappoint us, but God never will. (#1057) 3. Parenting. It keeps me on my knees and draws me closer to the One who provides Truth. (#1058)
Day 17 - In Laughter 1. Overhearing Jenica and Jillian "gut-laught" together. (#1059) 2. When Chad lightened the mood and said "it's good to see you smile again." (#1060) 3. An overnight guest for Jenica - a friend who includes her little sister - and the continuous laughter coming from the family room. (#1061)
Day 18 - Made, Shared, Passed On 1. Made - Glad I can make dinner rolls for Thanksgiving ahead of time, thankful they freeze so well. (#1062) 2. Shared - Crispix Snack Mix, shared with our small group tonight. (#1063) 3. Passed On - boxes of clothes that the girls outgrew, and grateful for the extra space it freed up. (#1064)
Day 19.........stay tuned. Make it a great week! And celebrate the Joy that comes from being Thankful.
I am lovin' days like today. I had a doctor's appointment scheduled with my rheumatologist in Lincoln today, and Chad was able to take a personal day and go with me. (Blessing #1010) I only have to go every 6 months now, which is really nice. (#1011) Plus, I got a good report, and everything's going really well. (#1012) We found good results on a biologic drug that I began with a clinical study several years ago . . . gosh, has it really been 9 years ago? For several years, I had to travel to Lincoln every 4 weeks. So I am really enjoying the less frequent trips.
Starbucks at York is always part of our routine when we travel that far. (#1013) I'm not a coffee girl, but I love-love-love their skinny chai latte with a pump of sugar free vanilla. It's heavenly.
Jenica dropped her iPod several months ago and has been living with a cracked screen ever since. And a few days ago, her button stopped working. Oh, no! How can life continue without her iPod? Well, you can, as she found out. She learned to live with it. But today, I took it with us on a hunch that I could find a place in Lincoln that would be able to replace the screen. Thanks to my friend Lanise, we found a place that could replace the broken glass, and the button, while we were in town. (#1014) She had earned enough money babysitting to pay for the repair, so she's a happy girl tonight.
Chad & I did a little Christmas shopping before my appointment. I love being able to use all my Bed-Bath-and-Beyond coupons at one time. Did you know that they never expire? Even though they have an expiration date, they still take them if that date has passed! And . . . get this . . . they let you stack your coupons, so you can use as many coupons as you want (1 per item though). (#1015) Save those expired coupons, girls!
It was a beautiful sunny day. (#1016) And so many blessings happened before lunch! Reminds me of this song. It's one of my favorite wake-up songs.
We met one of my best friends for lunch (#1017) at one of my favorite places ~ Macaroni Grill. (#1018) I have a favorite: Pasta Milano . . . It's A-MAZ-ING!! If you haven't tried it, you really should. It's incredible!
And when we got home, Jenica had finished making "Oreo Balls." Her sweet-tooth is very similar to mine. Especially when it comes to chocolate. She's taking a "Creative Living" Class, and they are doing a "foods" unit now. This is one of her favorite recipes from class. So naturally, she wanted to share it with the rest of us. (#1018)
What is it with kids and their electronics?! Notice that her computer is sitting on the counter beside her as she works? I think we may have a problem here. Anyway, she finished making them just as we walked in the door, and boy are they good!
Just in case you don't have the recipe, we thought we'd share it with you. Enjoy!
Using a mixer, combine crushed oreos and softened cream cheese and mix well. Roll into walnut size balls and chill for an hour.
Melt approx. 3/4 pkg of white almond bark. Stick a toothpick in an Oreo ball and dip it in the melted white almond bark. Allow to harden on wax paper. (Takes about 15 minutes)
While waiting, melt about 1/4 pkg chocolate almond bark. When Oreo balls are no longer sticky to the touch, decorate with drizzles of chocolate and white almond bark.
A few weeks ago, a friend shared some bakery-made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies with me (Blessing #1007), and Jillian helped me gobble them all down. They were so good! So at Jillian's request, I began to hunt for a similar recipe. I was excited to find one that sounded pretty close (#1008), and I decided that today was the day to bake them to share with our small group tonight.
Jillian doesn't typically like cookies with chocolate chips, but she LOVES these. And I have to agree . . . they are really good. They have a cake-like consistency, the pumpkin makes them really moist, the spices add just a touch of autumn, and just a heads-up: this recipe makes a really big batch. All the more reason to share them with your neighbors.
I've decided that tomorrow, I am going to leave a plate of cookies in my mailbox with a little note for our mailman to say "thank you" for delivering our mail every day. I hope he'll feel appreciated when he finds the little surprise. (#1009)
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 c. butter, softened
3 c. sugar 2 eggs 2 c. canned pumpkin puree 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 5 c. cake flour 1 tsp. salt 2 tsp. baking powder 2 tsp. baking soda 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips Preheat Oven to 350. Beat butter and sugar for about 2 minutes or until smooth. Add eggs, pumpkin, vanilla, and the spices. Continue to beat for about 2 more minutes. Add rest of ingredients to bowl and beat only until flour disappears and all ingredients are combined. Using a cookie scoop, place dough onto greased baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes.
It was a year ago this month that I began my blog, in an attempt to see if I could count 1,000 Gifts in one year. It's almost 1 year, and counting these gifts has given me a greater awareness of the little ways God blesses me each and every day. Things I used to look past, I now see as a gift. (Blessing #1,000) Did you just see that? I'm at #1,000! I did it. God did it! He changed my way of thinking, and I can see Him in so many ways. He's been revealing Himself to me by giving me gifts. Things I didn't take time to notice before.
But what makes today a VERY special day isn't my blessing count. Today we are celebrating Gotcha Day #6! (#1001)
Jacob came home today to be part of our Gotcha Day celebration (and to vote). (#1002) We took the picture below mainly because Jillian is worried that our dog Rollie isn't going to live very much longer. And she wanted a family picture with him before it was too late. But it also works well as a memory from today's celebration.
(The t-shirt Jillian's wearing was actually Jenica's 6 years ago. It says "dance" in Chinese.)
It's so hard to believe that six years ago today, we were in China. It's gone by so fast! I will never forget the feeling I had when Jillian was placed into my arms and into her Forever Family. (#1003) It was love at first sight. When Jacob was our only child, I thought there was no way I could ever love another child as much as I loved him. Then Jenica came along, and I found out that I could! A mother's love never runs out. Next, God put the desire to adopt little Jillian into our hearts, and at times I wondered if this was the right thing to do. Nervously, we stepped out in faith and followed God's guidance through the entire process. He continued to show us His mighty hand every step of the way as He removed obstacles as only He could do. As a mother of three beautiful children, I have found that a mother's love never runs out. It only grows deeper and deeper. The love I felt for each of my children was instant. (#1004) Indescribable, incredible, unconditional love.
Adopting Jillian has helped me understand more fully what it means to be "adopted" into God's family. The love He has for me. God willingly chose me. It was nothing I did or could ever do. But rather, by God's grace and unconditional love, he adopted me into His family, and the moment I accepted Christ's mighty work on the cross, I became an heir to His throne. God's indescribable, incredible, unconditional love for me. He chose me to be His child, to which I am eternally grateful. (#1005)
I'll leave you with a flashback from China. It's one of my favorite pictures of Jillian.
God has blessed me more than I deserve, and I'm forever grateful that He chose me to be her mommy. (#1006)
Each month Ann
Voskamp provides a free printable for her continuing "Joy Dare", and I've begun my November list of the gifts I've been given each day. When you find the blessings in each day, you can't help but experience joy. (Blessing #990) Won't you join me?
Day 1 - 3 gifts EATEN: 1. Spending the day with my mom, traveling to Omaha for her dr. appt, and eating samples of banana nut bread during our stop at Starbucks in York. (#991) 2. A yummy chickenpanini at "Jason's Deli". One of my mom's favorite places to eat in Texas is "Jason's Deli," and when I recently found out that there's a new "Jason's Deli" in Omaha, I knew just the place to eat lunch after mom's appointment. (#992) 3. On the way home, a quick stop at Burger King for some sweet potato fries. If you haven't tried them yet, you really should They're the best! (#993)
Day 2 - 3 gifts WORN: 1. Slippers to keep my feet warm as I sipped my hot tea after everyone left for school. (#994) 2. Warm gloves on a cold November evening, as we enjoyed supper with Chad's parents. (#995) 3. A smile as I listened to my father-in-law tell me about certain tools and gadgets from his past. Ken & Keron are down-sizing in preparation for their move into a retirement village, which took Ken down memory lane as he organized the things in his garage. (#996)
Day 3 - 3 gifts that start with an "N": 1. New bridge on our road, which means no more detours . . . HAPPY DANCE! (#997) 2. Mac's Creek Vineyard, just North of Lexington, for a girls day out with a few other football coaches wives. It was "Christmas on the Creek" at Mac's, and the laughter we shared with one another was good for the soul. (#998)
3. A Nebraska Football win! Watching Chad & Jacob hoop and holler as the Huskers scored the winning TD with only 6 seconds left in the game. Excitement abounds! (#999)
Last week was PT Conference, followed by Fall Break. Everyone was ready for a break from school, teachers included. (Blessing #977) It came at a good time for us, because Jenica needed to make a return trip to Mayo Clinic for a follow-up appointment. Being in HS now, Jenica really appreciated not having to take time out of school (#978) because it's so hard to get caught up when you miss a couple days in a row.
Jenica's tests went really well, and she got a great report from her doctor. (#979) As you can imagine, we were a little bit apprehensive, because back in July we went to Mayo for a 2nd opinion, not expecting the news that we got. This time, all was well. According to Dr. Ackerman, Jenica's now on "Cruise control."
While we waited for her appointments, a volunteer was in the waiting area teaching all the kids how to make a paper spinner craft thing (using colored strips of paper, straws, and a couple rubberbands), and the girls had time to make a couple while we waited. Mayo does a great job at keeping kids busy and distracted from any tests they may be waiting for. (#980)
After Jenica's good report, we headed up towards Minneapolis so Jillian could be reunited with her friend Izzy, who moved with her family to a suburb in August. Izzy & Jillian were SO excited to see each other and spent a couple hours playing in the pool at our hotel. (#981)
It was sad when they had to say "goodbye . . . until next time." The good news is that Jenica will have annual appointments at Mayo, so Jillian and Izzy will most likely be able to see each other once a year. (#982)
We spent a few hours at Mall of America walking around, playing Miniature Golf at "Moose Mountain" inside the mall, along with a challenging "Mirror Maze" that Jenica and I were brave enough to explore while Chad & Jillian went to the popcorn shop to get a snack for the long ride home. That mall is amazing! "Mall on Steroids" might be a better name for it. We didn't buy much, but we did get a start on some Christmas shopping, which is tax-free in Minnesota. (#983)
Jenica and Jillian also spotted Justin Bieber and One Direction at a store, and they got them to pose for a quick picture. Hee hee . . .
A quick story . . . When leaving the Mayo Parking Lot, Chad answered the parking attendant in a British accent! Jenica and I had a lot of fun with that one! (#984) Chad must have been listening to too much One Direction in the car on the long drive up.
Even though we had already left when it snowed in Nebraska, we didn't have any snow on our drive to MN (#985). I love snow, but not when we're driving on unfamiliar roads. We made it there and back safely (#986) and ate at some fun restaurants that we don't have around here. (#987)
Jenica had never heard of the movie "Forrest Gump", so we gave her a quick overview while eating lunch. Here's one of my favorite clips . . .
It's really true. Life really IS like a box of chocolates. And I'm thankful for the life I've been given. (#988)
I'm glad we don't have to return to Mayo for another year. Even though it's only a day's drive, it's still a long way to travel for a doctor's appointment. But when it comes to your children's health, you do whatever you have to. And we are so blessed that God led us to our new doctor. (#989)
Dustin, you had a great suggestion to put Chad's Runza commercial on my blog. Well, I couldn't figure out how to do that . . . until today! (Blessing #974) He'll probably throw me a "look" when he sees that I figured out how to give his commercial a little more publicity through my blog.
Chad's little bit of fame continues to follow him today even though it's not part of the TV commercial mix any more. People still call him "Mr. Runza" and it frequently continues to come up in conversations with people. It was fun when he filmed it back in 2006, and the fun continues today. (#975)
Here's the Runzatic in action:
"Fresh Bread . . . An abundance of meat . . . . . . it helps us win football games."
Maybe it helped back in 2006, but not so much this year. Football season is over for us with a 2-7 record. But that's okay. Athletes can learn a lot about character when they have a losing season.
And the best part is this: Chad & I still enjoyed our Runza "dates" every Friday. (#976)
My dad had back surgery last week, and is on the long road to recovery. He's also on the road to being pain-free again (Blessing #969). I'm so glad he had it done, because he's been living with the pain for a long time. I'm also thankful I could go over to Kearney each day he was in the hospital (#970) and that my neighbor was actually part of his medical team in the recovery room (#971). What a special blessing that was for my mom and I.
Backing up just a smidge. . . Jenica and I went to Omaha a couple weeks ago for a special mother-daughter weekend, (#972) and while we were there, we looked for some fabric for an apron she was going to make in Creative Living. We happened to notice an extremely large selection of fleece fabric, including a New York Yankee's fleece. The sweet blessing in finding this fabric is that it's my dad's favorite baseball team. (#973) That's when Jenica decided to make her grandpa a Yankee's tie-blanket as a "get-well-soon" surprise. She got it finished, and gave it to him yesterday.
The beautiful fall weather we're having is reason to get the bikes out again. (#966) I got quite the workout yesterday. Especially with Jillian's tag-along bike attached to mine. That added 40 pounds on the back gives me quite the thigh burn, especially when she decides to stop pedalling and lollygags along.
She has a bike of her own, but where we live, we end up biking on roads with lots of traffic as we make our way into town. So, a couple months ago, I set out on a quest to find a "tag-along" bike we could borrow, making it safer and not quite so difficult for her. And I found one! (#967)
We can't quite figure out how the flag's supposed to attach, hence the goofy angle. But it still works. However, if we hit too many bumps, it falls off and we have to turn around and go get it. Jillian is a little commedian and always makes me laugh, even when I'm huffing and a puffing. (#968) She's so silly.
Jillian gets distracted easily, so I do more of the pedalling than she does. There's so much to look at as we make our way past the cornfields, pastures, houses, and finally arrive at the park in town. She could bike for hours, I think. But of course she could! She's just along for the ride . . . until I remind her to start pedalling again.
It's when fall colors are in full force. (Blessing #958) Nights are cool, and days are just perfect. (#959) I can sleep with the windows open and throw an extra blanket on the bed. (#960) October brings weather, for the most part, that is mild and free of bulky coats. I don't like being hot and sweaty, and I dont like being so cold that I have to wear multiple layers. Once the first freeze hits, it brings relief from my allergies. Ahhhh. . . (#961) Of course, October brings lots of football! Not necessarily because I love it, but because the man I love does. (#962) October brings bright colored mums in all the yards of my neighbors, (but not mine - my green thumb is lacking). But it also brings. . .
Mary!
Kendra, Mary, Janet
Have you ever had a friend, whom you don't see very often, but when you do get together again, you can just pick up where you left off? (#963) As if no time has separated you at all? Somone whom your heart is connected, even though miles separate you? Even though Mary moved to another state, God continues to bring her back to the Heartland for a short visit every October, for which Kendra & I are extremely grateful. (#964)
Our time together always goes by too quickly, but it's never short on laughs, stories, coffee, or food. (#965) We never say "goodbye." Just "see you again soon."
Since we no longer get together with Chad's extended family on his dad's side during the Christmas holidays, we decided to have an annual picnic/BBQ during the summer instead. Well, summer was too busy for everyone so we waited until now to get together.
Today, we met at aunt Gloria and uncle Lamar's and almost everyone made it. (Blessing #954). It was an absolutely gorgeous day (#955) and the kids enjoyed lots of fresh air outside. Here's a picture of all the kiddos that were there today. It's such a blessing that there are so many close in age and that we make a point to all get together once a year.
Jenica, Erica, Kaylee, Chase, Haleigh, Harlie, Brody, and Jillian.
Jenica had some algebra homework to finish, and as soon as her Grandpa Ken saw that she was working on math, he was instantly drawn to it and sat down to help her work through many of those problems. (#956) His memory isn't what it used to be (I feel the same way some days), but he could still remember how to do those algebra problems.
I think we should have grandpa check over all her algebra homework. He really seamed to enjoy it, which was also a blessing to him that she brought her algebra assignment along today. (#957)
I made a german chocolate cake this morning for a picnic we're having tomorrow. And the german chocolate frosting recipe I like to use calls for 3 egg yolks. That meant I needed to find something to make using 3 egg whites. Hmmmm . . . . what should I make?
And then it hit me!
Surprise Meringue Cookies!
My mom used to make these, and when I was old enough to start baking (under her supervision), it was one of the first recipes I learned how to make. They're so yummy! The "surprise" are the chocolate chips inside. (Blessing #953)
Surprise Meringue Cookies 2 or 3 egg whites, beat until stiff
Then add:
3/4 c. sugar 1/8 tsp. cream of tartar 1/8 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla
Beat until sugar is dissolved. Stir in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Place scoops of cookie on brown paper and bake for 25 minutes at 300 degrees. Cool before removing from paper.
This 5-star recipe popped into my inbox from Food.com, and with it being apple season and all, I decided it would be a perfect snack for Chad on his Birthday Eve. That's right, tomorrow is his Birthday. (Blessing#952)
This recipe is a keeper! It's A-MAZ-ING! And after we each had a taste of them tonight, half of them are already gone. The other half is for Chad's birthday breakfast. I hope he shares!
APPLE MUFFINS
3/4 cup + 2 TB packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour (I used white whole wheat flour)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup canola oil
2 large eggs
1 cup natural applesauce
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 golden delicious apple, peeled, cored, and chopped into tiny pieces
In small bowl: mix 2 TB brown sugar + cinnamon + pecans
In medium bowl: whisk together flours, salt, and soda.
In large bowl: whisk together 3/4 c. Brown sugar + oil until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in applesauce and vanilla.
Which flour mixture into egg mixture in 2 batches, alternating with buttermilk. Whisk just til combined. Gently stir in apple chunks.
Pour into greased muffin tins. Sprinkle with sugar/pecan mix. Tap pan on counter to remove any air bubbles.
Bake at 400 degrees, for 20 minutes or til toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack 15 minutes. Loosen edges with knife. Remove from pan. Finish cooling on wire rack.
Fall officially began 2 weeks ago. But today we got a taste of winter. Look closely . . . see the snowflakes?
I've been telling people that I'm not quite ready for winter and snow yet. I want to enjoy the fall season for a bit longer before it turns cold. However . . . . as the snow started falling this morning, I couldn't help but get excited. (Blessing #951)
I absolutely LOVE snow! And it was so pretty as it fall to the ground and quickly melted. I just wish I had a couple mountains in the background this morning.
We love to celebrate birthdays in our family. And this week, it was Jacob's turn to enjoy the spotlight. (Blessing #946) It doesn't seem possible that he has already finished life as a teenager and is headed into his 20's. I certainly don't feel old enough to have a son who's 20.
Celebrating a birthday in the midst of football season (where Chad is rarely home before 7pm) and softball season (now that Jenica's in high school) is no small task. We had to get creative. It would have been fun for us to drive over to Kearney and spend time with him there, but I think he likes the feeling of "home" and was willing to meet us here.
Since his classes were finished by early afternoon on Tuesday, he came home early. (#947) Which was nice because then Jillian and I got him all to ourselves (#948) for a few fun surprises and a relaxing afternoon.
After everyone was finished with practice, we all were able to enjoy supper together at "Taste Of Texas BBQ" in town. (#949) It was a fun treat! They brought out a big chocolate sundae, sang to him, and gave him a birthday card with a $5 gift certificate inside. SWEET!
Before he headed back to college, I did what any mother would do. I snapped a few pictures to capture the memory of our whole family together again. Of course, that's an adventure in itself. (#950) Can everyone be serious for just one picture? Most likely not.
The time with Jacob Tuesday went by far too quickly. (sniff, sniff) But since he lives just a short distance from home, I know he'll be back again . . . ummm . . . let's see . . . oh, yeah . . . this Friday! For the homecoming game!
I absolutely LOVE this time of year. The weather begins to change, nights are getting cooler, the A/C gets a break, leaves start turning colors, and the farmers fire up their combines. (Blessing #942)
Ahh, yes, the excitement of harvest is definitely in the air.
I've seen the hard work that goes into raising crops. I watched my dad work hard from sun up to sun down. From spring planting, through the heat of summer, to the harvest each fall. There is so much time, energy, money, and faith put into raising crops.
And the best part of that process has finally arrived. Harvest. It's a time when farmers get to see the fruit of their labor. (#943)
And it's also a time for COMBINE RIDES!
Last weekend, the girls & I headed to my parents' farm for a sweet taste of harvest.
It's always fun to show up at the field with food. As a little girl, I remember my mom and I taking meals to my dad and my grandpa in the field, where we'd have a picnic on the tailgate of the pickup. (#944) So naturally, I had to bring food with me this time too. Runzas for everyone!
We all took turns riding with my dad in his combine. Up and down the bean field. Watching the beans go from the stems in the field, through the combine, and into the trucks.
"Here's a few more for ya, grandpa!"
Harvest is an exciting time. And I'm so grateful that we live close enough to trot on over to the family farm and see it in action one more time. (#945)
This year has a bitter-sweet ending though, as my dad is retiring from farming after harvest is complete. He's worked sohard for somany years, and he totally deserves a little R&R. He's heading into a new season of his life. One that will involve more time at the lake, more traveling, more time with his family, and far less stress when it comes to hail storms approaching the crops he's blanketed with TLC. Dad, I'm so proud of you! You're a great example for all of us, and I'm so excited for you as you move into this next season of your life. Keep smilin', don't take any wooden nickels, and keep the shiney side up!
Jacob is really enjoying college this year. (Blessing #934) More specifically, he's enjoying living off campus in a house with 5 roommates. But then, what soon-to-be-20-year-old-guy wouldn't love that?
Since he isn't coming home quite as much this year, I seized the opportunity to have lunch with him yesterday after my stop at walmart. It's so great to hear about his plans, no matter how frequently they change. (#935) He's thinking. He's exploring different career options. He's looking ahead. He's enjoying the moment.
Oh, yeah . . . and he's still playing football - both flag football and intramurals . . . playing with his "all or nothing" attitude that's always been present on the field.
As he told me about his "non-competitive" (yah, right) flag football game, I just sat there thinking, "thank you God, for your protection over my son." (#936) Boys will be boys. And that's the way I want it. Just as God created him to be.
I find myself releasing him over and over again. Into God's hands.
I learned how to go about releasing my children early on. (#937) That probably has something to do with the fact that they all 3 have specific health challenges hanging over them. But they don't let those challenges define them. They don't let those challenges hold them back from enjoying the life God's given them. (#938)
Jacob continues to live life to its fullest. (#939) Wether there's danger present or not. Whether he's wearing a helmet while playing flag football or not.
I can't be with my children 24/7. Even if I could, I'm not sure I'd want to. They have to develop independence and confidence, and learn from the mistakes they are sure to make. We've all made mistakes. Kids aren't the only ones who screw up.
This is a tough world out there.
But most importantly, I have to trust God. And I have to release my children to Him. If I try to clutch onto them, worried about what lies ahead, trying to protect them from all evil, then I am putting a limit on what God can do in their lives. I wouldn't be letting my children experience God to His fullest, and they wouldn't be learning to lean on God when times get tough.
God is fully capable of protecting Jacob. And because of that truth, I don't have to worry. (#940) I love Jacob dearly, but God loves him even more. He will always be God's child first, and it's a blessing that God has chosen to share him with me. (#941)
