HOPE

Check out this video about an amazing inspiration to so many...9 Minutes of Hope on The Ellen Degeneres Show site.

An accomplished author, climber, speaker, and cancer survivor--Sean Swarner shares freely about his struggles and his journey--to provide HOPE to all.

I went to school with Sean in Willard, Ohio. I am encouraged by his story, and thought we all could enjoy some "good news" in these times!

Apron Giveaway at Not Quite June Cleaver!

I love aprons...there's just something so nostalgic about them. I wear one almost daily at home, and have collected several vintage ones, and made quite a few new ones myself! My Grace enjoys donning one of her lil aprons when she's cleaning, cooking, or playing with her toy kitchen stuff. She put on her "spotty apron" this afternoon to do her dishes and straighten up the living room. ("spotty" = multi-colored polka dots!)

Today I re-discovered a favorite blog about aprons, and all things domestic-ish...visit Not Quite June Cleaver to share in the Apron Addiction, and while you're there, enter to WIN an apron! Enjoy her GREAT list of links to other Homekeeping, Homeschooling, Cooking, Green, etc. blogs and sites!

Snow Day Soft Pretzels

Last Wednesday, the kids had another snow day. The kids and I decided to bake soft pretzels. We tried a new soft pretzel recipe, and were pleased with the results. Kneading the dough, rolling out long ropes of dough and shaping the dough into pretzels was great fun!

Bay's way of saying "I love you" to Grace and Mama.

Miss Grace stirring up the yeast mixture.

Here you can see how many shapes & sizes were created with our double batch of pretzel dough.

My favorite one...I think I like the swirly-ness of it! This was one Bay made.

A successful traditional pretzel shape, made by Grace.

Grace made an "A", for whatever reason.

Bay even fashioned a "Chevy Bow Tie" out of some of his dough.

SEE what fun baking pretzels is!

Snowy January, 2009

Snow. I think it's one of those things you either love or loathe. I think it's quite lovely to look at from inside my cozy home when I don't need to go out in it...otherwise, I'm not really fond of it!

We enjoyed this gorgeous sunrise last week as we headed out the door to school.

A glimpse into our backyard...bear in mind we've gotten lots more snow since these photos have been taken!

A basket o' snow on the deck.



School was delayed again today, due to the blowing, drifting snow. Grace's class led chapel, on the plagues in the Bible--hearing about the plagues from 3rd & 4th graders was quite entertaining! They always do such a nice job, and I am so thankful they have the opportunity to study God's Word at school.

The boys went skiing today with members of Bay's class that earned the trip for meeting their reading goals this past marking period. I admit I was anxious, praying all day no one would sustain any major injuries! They returned home tonight after 7pm, both barely able to walk from all of their frosty fun!

We enjoyed another snow day off from school this past Wednesday, photos of our fun that day and a recipe, coming tomorrow!

Happy New Year!

wow, 2009 already?! I'm praying this will be a blessed year for everyone. Hope to be blogging more regularly!

Grace Meets Rhemmie

My friend Megan gave birth to her first child, sweet Rhemmie Ann on August 6, 2008.

My Grace was anxious to meet her, so after a long ride in the car (are we there yet, Mama?)...

Grace met Rhemmie, and even got a chance to hold the "baby doll"!

I of course took a turn holding the lil sweet pea, too. She is absolutely beautiful.
I already love this lil Gambie.

Welcome, sweet Rhemmie! Congrats, Megan & Chris!

Woohoo! I Won A Prize!

This morning I received an email from Nancy Malay that I won a prize in TDIPT's Happy Birthday Prize Giveaway! I'll be receiving the sweet little americana elephant pictured above! I love to receive mail, and this will be a fun package to open! Thank you, Nancy!