Blogging Break…

Well, if you haven’t noticed I have been neglecting my blog for the last couple months.  Things are really busy at our house and my blog was the first to be cut out.  I decided to go back to school to become a nurse and spent a lot of time in prayer over it (still do).  I have attempted college in the past but was unsuccessful in completing it with a degree.  I have a renewed passion this time and it is all because of the Lord.  You see, I never made God apart of anything unless I was in need, until I had my children.  I have completely surrendered to Him and can feel His guidance in all areas of my life.  It is a daily struggle to try to surrender when my first instinct is to do what “I” want to do how “I” want to do it.  There are many failures but God is so faithfull to stand by me.  I started school in March and have been very busy since.  I am trying to rearrange my schedule to fit blogging back in but have not done so yet.  Until then I am on a break…..

Family Update: The girls are doing great and loving the spring/summer weather.  Jonah is working so hard (which is great that he has work) and is such a wonderful provider for our family.

Little Ballerina

Danica had her first ballet class over the weekend.  She was too cute for words with her fellow ballerinas.  It makes her mommy’s heart sing because mommy took ballet from age 3 to age 15.  Mila can’t wait to start, as well.

Ballet slippers are adorable.  They look like dolly feet.

Apple-Pear Galette

I tried this Galette the other night and is was so good I thought I would share the recipe with you. I served it warm with some vanilla ice cream and it was delicious.  Also, the recipes calls for Empire, Gala, or Cortland apples of which I used none.  I used pink lady apples because they were on sale when I went to the grocery store.  I also used Bosc pears.  Both substitutions still yielded a wonderfully yummy dessert.

Apple-Pear Galette
courtesy of Real Simple Magazine

2 Tbsp  Unbleached all-purpose flour
2 9-inch Refrigerated pie crust
1/4 C + 2 Tbsp  Apricot preserves
3  Empire, Gala, or Cortland apples, sliced 1/4 inch thick
3  Bartlett pears, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
2 Tbsp fresh Lemon juice
1 tsp grated fresh Ginger
1/2 tsp ground Cinnamon
3 Tbsp + 1 tsp granulated Sugar
1 large Egg, beaten

Heat oven to 350°.  On a lightly floured surface, place one pie crust on top of the other and roll out into a 16-inch circle.  Transfer to parchment lined baking sheet.  Spread 1/4 C  of preserves on the crust, leaving a 2-inch border.

Toss apples, pears, flour, lemon juice, ginger, cinnamon, and 3 Tbsp of sugar together in a large bowl.  Transfer to the crust, leaving the border clear.  Fold the edges of the crust over the fruit mixture.

Brush the egg on the crust and sprinkle with the remaining sugar. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the fruit is tender, about 45 minutes.

Heat the remaining 2 Tbsp of preserves and 1 Tbsp water in a small sauce pan over medium heat for 2 minutes.  Brush on the fruit.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

That is going to hurt in the morning!

I found Bella asleep the other night in a position that made my neck hurt.  Jonah decided it was time we moved the “wall” in her crate back so that she didn’t have to resort to such awkward sleeping positions.  She is growing so fast!  She has gained 10lbs in just 3 weeks.

Sewing Christmas Gifts

Now that I have recovered from all the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations  I thought I might share with you the gifts that I sewed for Christmas.  All the guys received baked goods such as bread, ginger molasses cookies, and flour-less chocolate-peanut butter cookies (for my gluten sensitive brother).

This 1st one was for my sister-in-law, SunDee, who is a sixth grade french teacher.  I thought she could use a bag to carry books in or for her bible study materials.  Made w/ denim that I found for $1 per yard.

Yo-yos as flower detail w/ buttons.  Here is a Yo-Yo tutorial I used when making these.

Oh yes, I lined it too!  This was my first time making a bag.  Please forgive me if I boast.

A hostess apron for my mother-in-law.

Aprons for my little girlies and my cousin’s daughter.  Danica pictured.

Doll aprons for my cousin’s daughters to go on their American Girl dolls.

I also sewed a bag for my grandmother to keep all of her quilting items in, but did not get a picture of it before giving it to her.  There are also two other items that have yet to be opened by family that will be visiting in January, but I don’t want to give away what they are until then.  Well, there you have it.  Happy New Year, everyone!

Merry Christmas!

“‘….I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord…’”  Luke 2: 10, 11

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  John 1: 14

“‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29

Christmas Cookies, Anyone…?

If found a recipe for Minty Chocolate Christmas Cookies at 101 Cookbooks and had to try it out.  They turned out really delicious and were a hit with Jonah and the girls.  I think I will use these cookies as gifts for our neighbors and maybe some family members too!

Note: The next time I make these I will add a little more powdered sugar to the filling to stiffen it up.  I have to keep this batch in the fridge because the filling is a little on the oozy side.

A Pup Named Bella…

Here is the newest addition to our family.  Bella, 11 week old Great Dane puppy.  She goes to the vet next week but if I had to guess she probably weighs 27 lbs.  She has a brindle coat w/ and white star on her chest.  Such a sweet heart with a great disposition.  She is doing great with her puppy training and getting used to her crate (house).  We actually had a good nights sleep last night!  The previous 2 nights were full of whining and crying in her crate which caused Jonah and I to have little sleep.  It is like having another baby.

Another Great Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of year.  A holiday where family and friends come together to give thanks for all that we have been blessed. What a wonderful way to get everyone in a thankful spirit for celebrating the greatest blessing of all.  The birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior who payed with his blood so that our sins may be forgiven.  I think it is important for everyone to set back and look at all there is to be thankful for through out the entire year.  Rather than, getting so caught up in our current circumstance that we forget how the Lord has blessed us and given us guidance in tough times.  I am so thankful for all the people God has put in my life to point me in His direction.  I am thankful to be in a country where I can freely study God’s Word and freely share it with others.  Where we can come together in fellowship.  I am thankful for all the men and women who fight for our freedom and pray for their safe return.  I hope everyone can enjoy this time of year with a rejoicing heart.

Menu Plan Monday ~ Nov. 24th

Check out more menu plans at Organizing Junkie.

Monday - Homemade Pizza (since we didn’t have it on Sunday)

Tuesday - Roasted Chicken, Rice, Broccoli w/ cheese

Wednesday - Lentil Soup, Rolls

Thanksgiving Thursday - This is my first time hosting Thanksgiving at my house so what better way than potluck!  I also decided to do two turkey breast in the slow cooker to free up my oven.
Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Turkey
Roasted Asparagus
Carmalized Onion – Gorgonzola Mashed Potatoes
Squash Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole
Cornbread Dressing
Double Cranberry-Apple Sauce
Pecan Pie
Sugar and Spice Cake

Friday - Leftovers

Saturday - The Jones Family Thanksgiving

Sunday - Leftovers