My special mop

conversation in my kitchen this afternoon

Kathryn, Mommy & the Mop

Kathryn: Oh Mommy can I mop, Please... Please... Please!

Me: Mop? Really? Mop? (who is this child Lord?)

Kathryn: Oh, I love to mop, I do that at Granna's house.

Me: Well if you really want to... (thank you Lord, better her than me)

Kathryn: I'll be so careful with your mop, I know it is your special mop

Me: You are right honey, it is so special... I hardly ever use it.

Just being real people... just being real.

Squishy Drinks

Hello everyone and welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Glad to have you join us. My sister, Lisa, and I co-host this blog carnival. We share recipes, kitchen and cooking tips, and anything food related that you want to share. So, join the fun. Write your foodie post and then link back to Lisa's blog, mentioning Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Don't forget to leave your link info there!

This week I'm telling you about my new favorite "sneaky" treat for my daughter. It is Capri Sun Roarin' Waters. She calls them "squishy drinks" I call it "friend."

This is why I like it... ONLY 35calories per pouch! This the description from their website
"Water has gone from borin' to ROARIN'. Our fruit-flavored CAPRI SUN Roarin' Waters beverage is water, the way kids want it—a sensible solution to help your kids meet their daily fluid consumption needs.

With no artificial colors or flavors and just 35 calories per pouch, CAPRI SUN Roarin' Waters offers a great-tasting alternative to plain water your kids will love. Find it in the juice aisle by the CAPRI SUN juice drink. "

My daughter LOVES this and she thinks is such a treat and it's just flavored water. I don't feel guilty giving them to her and she is happy.

Case Closed... fits nicely in her lunch box and she thinks she is ALL that! WOO HOOO for the squishy drink!

Now, head over to Lisa's for Mr. Linky and all the foodie goodness!

BarlowGirl

Go to Amy's site for more music today.

Thankful

Well, this is my first Thankful Thursday. I mean, I have been thankful on a Thursday before, I just didn't tell you all about it. So... I am joining you all today show my thankfulness.

Now this may seem strange but here it is. I have found myself overwhelmed and frankly a little depressed lately and it has been hard to be feel thankful. But I am reminded today of something my friend Christy says, "Your attitude determines if you are in the middle of an adventure or an ordeal" So...I'm thinking that today we are looking at the adventure of it all!

Also, I have learned through the years that the times I DON'T feel like praying, are the times I need to pray more. The times I DON'T feel like praising the Lord, are the time I need to Praise Him more. And most of all the times I don't feel thankful... I certainly need to take a good look at my life and BE EXTRA Thankful.

Here is my list of things I'm thankful for:

• My family: my daughter who makes me laugh at the silliest things and a husband who really loves me so very much. My parents and in-laws who always lend a hand.
  
• My sister: she gave me this
  
• Singing: We had choir last night and it always makes my heart happy to sing praises to God, especially in a room full of people who love Him too.
• My friends Becky, Liz and Denise... they are true and dear...and truly care
• That my husband has a job and works so hard for us everyday.
  

Go check out more Thankfulness at Iris' blog.

BeckyShaver.com

My very dear friend has a new website... stop by and show her some blogger love will ya?
http://www.beckyshaver.com/home.html

By all means, do listen to her singing, you will love it.

Way to go Becky, I'm so proud of you and can not wait to see what the Lord has planned next.

Ahhh....Snickerdoodle!

Hello everyone and welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Glad to have you join us. My sister, Lisa, and I co-host this blog carnival. We share recipes, kitchen and cooking tips, and anything food related that you want to share. So, join the fun. Write your foodie post and then link back Lisa's blog, mentioning Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Don't forget to leave your link info, with Mr. Linky.

This week I am hungry for one of my most favorite cookies. Snickerdoodles. I can not begin to fathom where this name came from as there is nothing to do with a snickers candy bar in it! But whatever... I love them just the same.
This recipe comes to you by way of The Food Network.

Recipe courtesy Gale Gand
Show: Sweet Dreams
Episode: Viewer's Choice

Snickerdoodles
For the topping:
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the cookie dough:
3 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon and set aside.
To make the cookie dough, stir together the dry ingredients.
In a bowl with a paddle attachment, cream the butter. Add the sugar and continue to mix, then add the eggs, corn syrup, and vanilla, and mix thoroughly. Add the dry ingredients and mix until blended. Chill dough 1 hour if it's sticky or difficult to handle.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Roll balls of dough about the size of a walnut then roll them in the cinnamon sugar to coat. Place on an un-greased sheet pan 2 1/2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until puffed up and the surface is slightly cracked. Let cool on the sheet pan a few minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool.

getting personal about the election

My blogger pal and old college roommate Christine, put out the question, "who are you voting for?" She is hoping to get the conversation going. She has a link up for anyone willing to put there opinion in writing and link back.

So this is my answer. I don't know. I know you are thinking "cop out" but honestly I do not know.

I have been thinking and reading and yes... PRAYING. I still don't know.

There are reasons on both sides that give me pause. I am concerned by the thought that possibly oldest president could be replace by someone with such little experience. I think Palin is fiesty and spunky and smart. But is that enough? I love that she is a mom doing it all. (I wish I could figure out how to do that) I appreciate the pro-life stance on that side of the ticket and I am still trying to sort through the truth on Obama's votes regarding "live infant birth". My respect and admiration for McCain and his service to our country go beyond words. The courage and determination he showed in Vietnam is sheer heroism. I believe he has a true faith in God and is a Christian.

I also believe that Obama is Christian. I have read much on this subject. I truly appreciate how he dedicated his professional life before politics to serving those in need. I respect the work he and his wife have done and think it could add so much to our countries policies. I think Biden has experience in foreign affairs that make up for what Obama may not know. I am overwhelmed with the financial situation our country finds itself and the state we are in for oil dependence. I believe we do need change... I just don't know what all needs to change.

SO you see... I am still working through this. I know some of you may be all " that is crazy... aren't you a good Christian... vote Republican" But what I think is important is that I vote the way I think Jesus would have me vote and frankly people, He has not told me. I am looking forward to the debates and will be watching and listening closely and praying.

I hope you are doing the same. One thing I KNOW for sure, God is in control and HE will determine who wins this election.

A touch of Fall in the air

Welcome back to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. What a week of crazy weather it has been in Texas. Our hearts are broken for all those still suffering without the electricity, water and for many, without their homes. We have many friends who are displaced and we pray God's hand on them.

Now, This weeks Foodie selection, I am inspired by the fall like weather we are having today. There was a crisp cool breeze that did not seem like Texas. It was delightful. Kathryn and I played outside for 2 hours after an early dinner. She played in the sandbox and I read a magazine... my idea of playing. It was divine.

So this week I am giving you a recipe that was in the magazine I was reading, Woman's Day. I LOVE this mag. It has great ideas and recipes and it is for real life moms. This month they have a section on Apple recipes and I was reminded of my Grandma who made a Fresh Apple cake. My mom makes it from time to time, I may be trying this one out soon.

Apple-Walnut Cake with Cider Sauce

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup Apple cider
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp each - cinnamon, nutmeg & baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 cups flour
• 2 large Granny Smith apples (3 1/2 cups) peeled, cored and sliced
• 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts (pecans for you Southern girls)

Cider Sauce

• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup paced brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  

PREPARATION

1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Coat a 10-in. tube pan with removable tube insert with nonstick spray.

2. Whisk sugar, oil, apple cider, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda and salt in a large bowl until blended.

3. Stir in flour until blended. Stir in apples and walnuts.

4. Scrape mixture into prepared pan. Bake 1 hour and 10 to 20 minutes.

5. Let cool in pan on wire rack 1 hour. Remove sides of pan. Cool completely before lifting cake off bottom of pan.

6. Cider Sauce: Whisk cider, brown sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan until blended. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, whisking occasionally. Boil 1 minute or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla; stir until butter melts. Let cool to warm or refrigerate until serving.

Now, you know the drill... hop on over to Lisa's blog to find Mr. Linky and ALL the other foodie goodness.

Click HERE for the actual article from their site

picture by Kate Sears for Woman's Day

Ike

We have it easy here, not even any rain yet, but our family and friends are fighting the storm. It is sad to see the place we have vacationed on the Weather Channel and see it in ruins. Breaks my heart.

My sister, Lisa, is having a tough time now with the worst of the storm hitting them. They have lost power and we pray the the strong winds don't do too much damage.

Praying for the Coast

We have such special memories of our trips to Galveston. Join with me in praying for all who are in the path of the storm. We know of many people who are "waiting it out" in their homes down there.

I can not image it, but we are praying for safety and God's hand of protection.

Snack Friend

Welcome back to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, where we share recipes, kitchen and cooking tips, and anything food related that you want to share. So, join the fun. Write your foodie post and then link back Lisa's Blog and mention Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Don't forget to leave your link info with Mr. Linky (he is at Lisa's too)

This week I'm posing a question...What are good ideas for healthy snacks for kids? I ask this because this week Kathryn is the "snack friend" for her Preschool class. It is my week to provide the mid-morning snack for the kids. There are only 8 kiddos so it is not a huge deal.

But honestly... I want it to be good, healthy and still help Kathryn win some "your mom is cool" points. I was told that one of the boys in class is not allowed to have much sugar because it is really bad for him... then the teacher said... which means it is REALLY hard for us to continue anything after he has had sugar.

So... that is it. This week I want some input. What are good snacks.

Here is what I have planned to take this week:

Monday- Bananas
Tuesday- String Cheese
Friday- Grapes

Exciting, it is not. So... Lay it on me Mommies... Tell ALL and leave me some comments!

Deep thoughts by ... a four year old

Lately we have these very deep theological discussions in the car. Usually it is just me and the 4 year old but sometimes my husband get in on the discussions too.

It always starts with a question... like these:

• Mommy, how DOES God hold everything in His hands?
• Mommy, when does God sleep?
  
• Doesn't He get tired? If He sleeps, will we fall out of his hands?
• Does Katy Fish know how sorry I am that I dropped her and are you sure God is remembering to feed her?
• How did God make us out of dirt and why did he use dirt? Doesn't He know it is dirty?
• Did God forget about me because everyone else has a brother or a sister? Can we ask God to remember to send us one of those?
  

All deep thoughts right? But my favorite is this question:

• Mommy, how does Jesus get into my heart?
• Mommy, will I get to go to heaven one day and see Jesus?

And the door is opened...

Thank you Lord for letting me have these little moments to share truth with my daughter.
Please let me always listen for an opportunity to lead her to You. Help me to slow down and not miss it. I pray that her heart will always be soft and yearn to learn more about You and your home heaven, and most of all dear Lord, I pray that at a very early age she will have true understanding and ask you into her heart... to stay... amen

Our First Soccer Game

It's official... I'm a soccer mom. It was so fun. Kathryn has only had one practice and that was to tell the kids, "this is a ball, you kick it... don't use your hands". And then we had a game. Too funny!

I AM

My dear friend Liz introduced me to this song Wednesday night. I have not been able to get it out of my head. As women, our lives take such a journey. Child, daughter, teenager, wife, mother...

This song so beautifully speaks of each stage and how our need for our Loving Creator changes as we grow. It is "I AM" by Nichole Nordeman. Her music is like poetry.



For more musical inspiration, go see Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

Proud to be an American....

I have to say last two weeks have made me proud.

Proud that this year we have made a huge step forward. Not only did we have a woman running for President but now there is a woman running for VP. I know that has happened before, but sorry Geraldine, you didn't have much of a chance back then.

But now... wow. This is huge.

And Obama... a man of color has a very good chance of being President. I just honestly did not think this country was to this point yet.

Well, here we are.

No matter what your political views are or who you hope will win...

This should make you proud.

a little politics

I don't usually get political in this here blog... but this is just nutty.

Last week during the DNC I kept thinking, what is McCain going to do? Who is he possibly going to pick? I realized that he was going to probably appear to be "outside the box" so when I heard Palin, I was all... who? What? What the hey?

So, I began the research, because THAT IS WHAT WE SHOULD ALL BE DOING. Research and not relying on gossip and rumor and CNN, FOX and MSNBC to tell us what they want us to know. I now understand why he picked her, but I don't think the woman factor is going to work on Hillary voters at all, if that was even a thought and I truly think it was. Honestly, for those voters, I am sure they are a little insulted. BUT I understood the super conservative thing as a balance to McCain, but NOW
the news of her daughter.... hmmm it truly makes me wonder what the ultra conservatives think now.