Recipe For A Happy New Year

Take twelve whole months,
Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy,
Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or
thirty-one different parts,
but don't make up the whole batch at once.
Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.

Mix well into each day one part of faith,
one part of patience, one part of courage,
and one part of work.

Add to each day one part of hope,
faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.
Blend with one part prayer,
one part meditation, and one good deed.
Season the whole with a dash of good spirits,
a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play,
and a cupful of good humor.

Pour all of this into a vessel of love.
Cook thoroughly over radiant joy,
garnish with a smile,
and serve with quietness, unselfishness,
and cheerfulness.

You're bound to have a happy new year.

--- Author Unknown

IN LOVING MEMORY

LOIS MARIE AVRIETT-MURPHY
November 1941 - December 24, 2008
My Mom passed away yesterday morning at 9:25 AM. I was able to be there at the time of her passing. She went peacefully and painlessly. She will be greatly missed by many.

Thank you for your many prayers, emails, cards and phone calls that our family has received these past few weeks. They are greatly appreciated.

To Everything, There Is A Season

Where to start... Last week my Mom had a heart attack. For those of you who do not know, my Mom has been living with rheumatoid arthritis her entire life. Eight years ago she went into congestive heart failure due to taking a drug for RA. While in the hospital for the CHF, the doctors discovered that she had the beginning stages of emphysema as well. For the last 8 years she's been fighting all three of these diseases. None of which the damage they cause can be reversed.

The past 8 years I can't even begin to tell you how many times doctors have told me and my sister that my Mom is going to die. And when she proved them wrong, the Doctors would then tell us it would only be a matter of months before her heart would fail and die. Well, it never happened. Not that this road has been easy. Believe me, it has been hell. My Mom's will to live, regardless her condition has been very difficult to watch.

A year in a half ago my Mom went into major cardiac arrest after having intestinal surgery, nearly once again losing her life. She spent 10 weeks in the ICU, with 7 of those weeks in a medical induced coma. The doctors were amazed that she survived.

The last year and a half my Mom has lived in a skilled nursing home. No longer having the strength to walk, and for the most part not being able to sit up in a wheelchair for a long period of time. The RA has completely twisted her back, shoulders, knees, feet, hands and fingers. I have never known my Mom with smooth, soft, feminine hands. They have always been swollen, raised and crooked. But what the RA has done to her now, is nothing short of horrifying.

She has been on oxygen full time for a while now as well. The last 6 months or so she has been in and out of the hospital for various reasons. If it's not her blood pressure, it's an infection of some sort. If not one of those then she's there from having pneumonia, or from having a cardiac episode of some sort. It hasn't been fun for her, nor for our family to have to witness.

On Friday of last week, the Doctor said something that we've prepared for, but didn't think it was ever going to be said. He said there is nothing medically he can do for her any longer. That there are no other medicines, treatments, surgeries that he can do to help my Mom deal/live with her condition. He said with my Mom's heart being as swollen as it is, the 25% lung capacity that she has left, that her defibrillator has once again had failed (3rd time), and with her heart strength at less than 25%, that it was time for my Mom to consider hospice.

My Mom agreed to enter hospice. She said she's done and that she has no fight left in her. For those of you who know my Mom, you know she's feisty, stubborn and loves to prove the doctors wrong. She lives for it, SERIOUSLY! I wouldn't say she's been in denial of her condition over the years. It's more or less her enjoyment of looking the doctors in the eyes and saying, "Well that may be the case... but my will is stronger than your professional opinion!" It's the fighting Irish in her, I tell you.

This week has been exhausting (emotionally) as you can imagine, because it took the entire week to get hospice set up. My Mom transferred from the hospital back to the skilled nursing home today. Mentally, I know it has to be hard for my Mom (even though she won't admit it), laying in the ICU all this week, waiting to start hospice. It's unimaginable.

We explained to Micah what hospice is and what it means. Poor kiddo. :0( It was hard for him to understand because there have been a few times when we told him (regrettably), Grandma was going to pass away because that's what Doctors told us. When we told him that she will no longer be taken to the hospital for treatments and that there are no new medicines or surgeries to help Grandma, he got it. It's hard to know exactly how he's processing it all, but we have an idea after a conversation we had earlier this week.

Micah and I were eating dinner together earlier this week, and I asked him what he wanted for Christmas. With getting the house ready to be put on the market, Soowan already starting his job down in Austin and my Mom's situation, Christmas has kind of taken a back seat these last couple of weeks. Well at least most of the 'holiday' junk that goes with Christmas, but I truly believe he's fully grasping the spiritual, true meaning of the Christmas Season. This is what our conversation was like.

Me: "Micah, I don't think I've asked you what you would really, really like for Christmas this year."

Micah: "Ummmm... I would like to go to Heaven."

Me (shocked): "And why would do you want to go to Heaven?"

Micah: "To be closer to God."

Me: "But that means you would have to die, and I don't want that to happen."

Micah: "Why?"

Me: "Because I would miss you and be sad without you here, with me."

(Note: Micah had had his church Christmas choir concert the night before, 2 performances, along with singing at both services earlier that day. They sang the song 'The Promise' with the words, 'Emmanuel, Our God is with us'.)

Micah: "You know how Emmanuel means God is with us? Well, I wish He was with us, like He was when He was born. I wish I could of seen Him, and been there. I think it would be nice to be with God."

Me (fighting back tears): "Yes, it would be nice to be in His presence in that way. But you know He's with you all the time. That is why he gave us the Holy Spirit?"

Micah: "I know... I just want to be closer to Him, that's all."

GASP!

Me: "OK, besides going to Heaven... What else would you like for Christmas?"

Micah: "For Grandma to go to Heaven."

(at this point the tears began for the both of us, and he poured out his little heart out to me).

Micah went on to say that he wanted Grandma to have a new body. One with straight hands and fingers, and one with good lungs and a strong heart.

My sweet, sweet boy. He could of asked for anything, but these two things were what was on his heart. Eternal gifts, not worldly ones. Wow! Talk about the phrase 'out of the mouth of babes' or what? It's humbling when you see the child-like faith of your own child and you realize it's so much more alive and pure than the one you hold yourself.

With that said, I have taken comfort in the one of the many names the Bible states for our God, Emmanuel. Our God IS with us, and I feel Him here, present more than ever.

Been A Bit Busy

Long story short, we're moving. Yep! Soowan accepted a job in Austin, TX. For the past 2 weeks we've been packing and getting our house ready to be put on the market. Even if our house doesn't sell right away we will be moving to Austin mid-January. We'll be renting until the house does sells. Moving twice isn't ideal, but at least Soowan's new company will be flipping the bill for the rental. I have so many emotions about this move. Both happy and sad. Dallas has been good to us these past 5 years and I can only pray that we'll have the same (if not better) experience down in Austin.

I do have several prayer requests. Please pray that the kids will have a good transition to the move. Pray that we can find the right school for Micah. We are currently looking at two private schools online, but need to get down to Austin to check them both out in person. Pray that we will trust in the Lord's timing for the sell of our house.

I will try to update when I can.

10 Years Old

Ten years ago today I held my first miracle...









And within a blink of an eye he grew into a handsome young man.

Micah's First Year

Here are some of my favorite pictures of Micah's first year. He was so small and incredibly cute! I loved his gummy smiles!

Devine Pumpkin Dessert

I had the most scrumptious pumpkin dessert the other night at my Women's group. I got the recipe and thought I would share it with my blogging friends. She served the dessert warm and it literally melts in your mouth. I'm drooling just thinking about it. ENJOY!!!

PUMPKIN SURPRISE
Printed from COOKS.COM
________________________________________
4 c. cooked pumpkin (29 oz. can)
1 c. sugar
1 lg. can evaporated milk (12 oz. can)
3 eggs
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ginger
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
1 box yellow cake mix (dry)
1 c. chopped nuts
1 1/2 sticks butter (melted)
Mix pumpkin, sugar, evaporated milk, eggs and spices together well. Pour into a 9"x13" pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over the top. Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top. Pour melted butter over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

OUR SWEET GIRL IS TWO!!!

Today our beautiful daughter turned two! What a gift Amanda is to our family and how blessed we are to have her in our lives. She is an amazing little girl that has brought so much joy and laughter to our family. Amanda is God's happiest child and she has a wonderful charm about her. I could go on and gush about her forever, but I'll spare you all and stop now!

This day didn't turn out exactly as planned because Amanda has been running a fever all day. :0( She didn't seem to be in a celebratory mood being sick and all, so we stayed home for dinner and opened her presents shortly after. She was fading fast and we didn't think she would even make it past dinner. Amazingly enough Amanda perked up quite quickly once she saw her birthday balloon! She could care less about anything else once she saw that darn balloon. Micah helped Amanda open her presents while Soowan and I took pictures and manned the video camera. She took very little interest in her presents and kept a tight grip onto her balloon the entire time.

Note to self: Amanda prefers balloons over presents/toys. Great!!! Christmas will be easy and inexpensive this year! YAHOO!!! ;0)

After we were able to get the balloon out of Amanda's hand and got through the drama of her tiara breaking, we did cake. We sang 'happy birthday' and when Micah told her to blow out her candles, she took a deep breath in and blew both of them out! Amanda instantly perked up and with all smiles she exclaimed, "Again! Again!" How could we resist such a request? We ended up re-lighting the candles numerous times, so she could blow them out and we could see her smiling face. Have I mentioned what a JOY our sweet girl is?!?!

Amanda ate some cake, but once again she began to fade and we knew she was just about done for the night. Hopefully tomorrow she'll be feeling better and back to her spunky, little self.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

MOM, DAD AND MICAH

(Aunt Maggie, I specifically chose this song for your listening enjoyment.) ;0)

THE GOOD NEWS!

21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.
~Psalm 33:21-22

10 PREDICTIONS NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed teaching and healing.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost.

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL!

Beautiful Day!

We had a beautiful day here in Dallas on this first day of November. The sun was bright and the weather was perfect. Here are some pictures of Micah's soccer game from this morning, and more pics of our time spent at the Arboretum where we had an early, picnic dinner.

(you may notice a huge blue-green mark on Micah's left cheek. This is not left over face paint from Halloween, it's the HUGE bruise from getting kicked in the face while playing touch football on Wednesday night with his buddies.)





I had to add this one of my sweet girl!

TRICK-OR-TREAT

'Twilight Zone' Kind of Morning

This morning the alarm went off and it felt like the morning came way too soon. Soowan got up to take a shower and I briefly fell back to sleep. I popped up looked at the clock and it read 6:47 , and I thought to myself... "Micah didn't set his alarm last night." He normally gets up at 6:45. I get up, get Micah up. I try to let Abbie (our dog) out to use the restroom but she didn't need to go, so she stayed inside. I start the coffee, Micah gets himself a bowl of cereal and I turn on the computer to check my emails. The computer comes on and I notice the clock reads 4:57. I start to think there is something wrong with the computer. The coffee pot beeps and I go to the kitchen to get myself a cup of coffee. I look at the clock on the oven and microwave and they both read 4:58. My cell phone is on the kitchen counter... I check it, and it reads 4:58 too.



I go into our bathroom, and Soowan is shaving. I show him the time on my cellphone. He looks at the phone and then back at me in an odd way. He then starts to walk around the house and notices that all the clocks in the house say it is almost 5:00 AM, but our bedroom clock says it is almost 7:00 AM. It took us a while to figure out what was going on, and for a minute there I thought I was trapped in an old black and white episode of the 'Twilight Zone'.



Long story short... Yesterday our power went out for a couple of hours. I had reset all the clocks in the house, except the one in our bedroom. I wont say who set our clock, but I'm sure you might already know who did. ;0)

Micah finished his bowl of cereal and I sent him back to bed. Poor kid never fell back to sleep. Instead he got ready for school and listened to the radio in his room for an hour in a half. I hope he makes it through school, because we let him stay up an hour past his bedtime last night. To top it off he has three tests to take today. YIKES!

Of course I fell back to sleep about 10 minutes before the alarm went off for the second time this morning. Sigh. I hope my little, Miss Amanda will take a nap today, because the past two days she has decided she doesn't need one. FUN! FUN! FUN! I have a feeling this is going to be a looonnnggg day... sigh.

Pumpkin Carving Party

This evening we had some friends over to carve pumpkins. We've been doing this for the past 4 years, and it has been a fun time for both the parents and the kids. The boys always pick out which design they would like to have carved onto their pumpkins, and the Dads get stuck with doing the actual carving. Then the boys go hog-wild crazy in the backyard until it's time to eat. Once they are fed, they return to going hog-wild crazy until it is time to show off their jack-o-lanterns. Us Mom's... We stay inside, eat pumpkin cheesecake and wait to see which one of our kids will sustain the first injury. With 9 boys, someone ALWAYS gets hurt. This year it was my son. Yep! Micah has a nice shiner on his left cheek. Oh well... At least it will go well with his costume for Halloween.

Yes... I'm still here.

It's been a while since I've posted anything on my blog. There is a lot going on currently, with nothing really happening at the same time. I know that makes no sense... but trust me. There are some possible changes that may be occurring for our family soon, but I'm not at liberty to share those changes on a public blog at this time. But when I am able to share, believe me I'll be writing about it.

Currently Soowan and Amanda have a nasty stomach bug and I'm trying really, really hard to keep it away from Micah and myself. I've been in major cleaning mode these past 24 hours. Soowan feels a bit better this morning, but Amanda is still producing some rather nasty diapers for me. Poor girl.

Micah's been doing good in school and all his other extra curricular activities. We have parent teacher conferences next week and report cards come out next Thursday as well. With that said, his homework load has been rather heavy with reports, projects and tons of tests to study for to wrap up the first 9 weeks of school. For those of you who don't know Micah very well, he LOVES this stuff. He's always up to the challenge and doesn't become overwhelmed with it all. He has already learned how to pace himself and get projects done early, so they are not being done the last minute. Obviously he gets his study skills from his Dad, because I was (and still am) the great procrastinator. I barely need to help Micah with his homework anymore. He's always been my independent kid, (heck he more or less potty trained himself) so I'm not too surprised.

This past Saturday Micah's soccer team played a GREAT GAME! They did lose 2-1 but it was an exciting game. They went up against the other undefeated team in their league and boy were they good! The other team took advantage of scoring off of two corner kicks, which is one skill our team could be better at defending and executing themselves. Other than that the kids played an awesome game! We look forward to playing this team again at the end of the season tournament. We did bring our camera, but I forgot to put the media chip back into the camera after getting some prints done last week. OOPS! Oh well!

Amanda is sweet and sassy as ever and it's hard to believe she'll be two years old in 3 weeks! I love the age she is at... So full of wonder and discovery. I love seeing the world through a toddler's eyes. I honestly forgot how much fun it is! Amanda really enjoys music and loves to get her little groove on when she hears a catchy, little tune. TOO CUTE! She has a blast at the toddler music and reading time at our local library, and I love it because it's FREE! ;0)

Like every year, these next few months are already looking full on my calendar. I'm trying no to feel overwhelmed but it is hard when your children's birthdays are a week apart and then the next week is Thanksgiving. Life then gets even more crazy between Thanksgiving and the New Year, as it does with most families. To top it all off if the possible changes I mentioned above do take place, life as I know it will become nothing less than CHAOTIC. I'm trying hard to not put the cart in front of the horse and concentrate on what's happening in the present. Easier said than done, but doing my best to not feel the pressure of the situation.

To clarify, this possible change is a good thing just not an easy/convenient one. But one thing I've learned is that life is NOT convenient, and decisions should NOT be made on the basis of convenience. Sure it's easier to chose the more convenient route, but that's usually not the route God is leading one to.

A Day At the Gardens... Oh! I Meant The State Fair

Here in North Texas most schools have what is called 'Fair Day'! This means there is NO school that day, and the students are given a free ticket to attend the Texas State Fair! I love the fair! The sights, the sounds, the food, the indigestion. Ahh... but so worth it. Our family managed to scarf down nachos, turkey legs, corny dogs, corn on the cob, ice cream, funnel cake and Soowan and I enjoyed ourselves a nice frozen margarita and mojito. They kids didn't have a sip, so don't worry!

Yesterday was also the first day of the fair, and we have decided we will go to the fair on the first day from now on. There is plenty of parking, NO crowds, NO lines (even for the Mouse Trap ride) and people are genuinely happy, which makes the day a lot more enjoyable!

By these pictures you might think we went to the Arboretum or to some garden. That's my fault. Each year we take the kids to the garden exhibits first so I can take pictures of them before they get all sticky from the food and sweaty from walking around in the sun all day. By doing this, the battery on my camera started running low while at the butterfly garden, so I mostly got garden shots. OOPS! But I did manage to get a good shot of 'BIG TEX' on our way in to prove we were at the fair this year. =0)

Fun Times With The Cagle Family

This weekend we were able to spend time with our friends Josh and Amber Cagle, along with their two boys Caleb and Cayden. It's cool how God puts people in your life, and even though the each person goes through several seasons in life, God is the glue that keeps them together.

I have known Amber since my freshman year in high school, way before either one of us became Christians. We were both on dance team together and have many fond (and not so fond) memories of our time in high school. After high school ended we saw one another on occasion while attending College, then we lost touch for a while after our time there over.

Soowan knew Josh from our church in California, Christ Church of the Valley. The two of them lived together at the 'Pink Panther' for a short time while they were in college (before I ever came into the picture). You may be wondering 'What the heck is the Pink Panther?'... Long story short, it was a pink house (and I mean PINK!) in Covina, CA that many college aged guys from our church rented.

A couple of years after I became a Christian, Amber gave her life to the Lord and started attending the same church I went to. Soowan and I noticed that Amber and Josh were getting close, but never said/pushed anything. A few months later, Josh and Amber attended our wedding as a couple!!! During our reception they told us they were dating. What a wonderful wedding present! Knowing that two people, whom both Soowan and I loved and cared for very much, were A COUPLE!!! A year and two months later we attended THEIR wedding!!! =0)

In the past 10 years God has moved in the Cagle's life in a tremendous ways, and it has been awesome to see all that He has done through their family. I know I'm leaving a lot out (like 10 years worth), but I'm excited to say that God has MOVED THEIR FAMILY TO TEXAS!!! YEEEE-HAW!!!! Josh will be starting a plant church in the Austin, TX area. A short, 3 1/2 hour drive from Dallas! If you want to check out their ministry click here... The Round Rock Project

As a couple Josh and Amber SHINE! Are they not only so darn cute together and have two GORGEOUS boys, they SHINE for the Lord in all that they do! I'm not kidding! We've seen it throughout their friendships, marriage, and ministry. They are an amazing couple!

This weekend we were finally able to get together with the Cagle Family since their move to Texas! They drove up to Dallas on Friday and we all went to the Angels vs Rangers game! Both our families are HUGE Angels fans! On Saturday we got up, ate breakfast and were off to Micah's first soccer game of the season! Our team won 2-1, and I will shamelessly brag that Micah scored both goals! That's my boy! =0)

The Cagle's had to get on the road and head back down to Austin shortly after the game, but the boys did have some time to jump around on the trampoline and share lots of giggles. =0)

Thank you Josh, Amber, Caleb and Cayden for an enjoyable time and we look forward to seeing ya'll more often now that you're official Texans. Well, maybe not yet... you need to get rid of those California plates on your car! =0)

Toddler + Puppy = EXHAUSTION

Needless to say life's been busy lately with these two! They keep me on my toes and have many surprises for me everyday. Some days they work together and other days they go solo with their little shenanigans. Either way I'm one tired Mommy!

Meet Abigail!

For a couple of weeks now we've been talking about getting another dog. Without a dog our house felt exactly that, a house. Not a home. Our home has always had a dog or two, a cat or two, and/or a fish or two. We even had a giant millipede as a pet at one time as well. As you can tell we are an animal loving family, and we were ready to add a new fur-baby to our home after the passing of our beloved Jethro a few months ago. :0(

With that said... We have a new family member to introduce you to... Abigail! She is a cute, four month old, German Shepherd/Pointer mix puppy (aka: mutt). We brought her home from the local animal shelter yesterday. Abbie is a sweet puppy, who is already house trained, walks well on a leash and understands a few simple commands. The animal shelter offers puppy training at a reasonably good price, so we will be taking her to obedience training starting next week.

Abbie did really well sleeping in her crate last night with only a few whimpers at first. Soowan took her out around 4:30 AM to let her relieve herself, and she went right back into her crate with no complaints! So far so good! The kids are having a blast with their new puppy, but our two cats are less than thrilled. Oh well... our finicky felines will have to get use to Abbie because she is here to stay!

Dear Mr. Carlos Martinez,

I'm writing this letter to you because I would really appreciate it if you would not be using MY cell phone number as contact information for YOUR creditors. In the past three weeks I have received 2-3 calls a day, ON MY CELL PHONE asking for YOU. No matter how nice I am to these incredibly intimidating, forth coming, somewhat rude credit collectors they don't believe that I'm not Carlos Martinez or that MY cell phone number is not yours. These aggressive men think you are related to me in some way, or that I'm hiding where you are at. Now it's none of my business why these men are so angry with you and why they want to get a hold of you A.S.A.P., but I have a feeling it's because you owe someone a whole lot of money. I'm sorry for your financial woes, but your circumstances are now affecting my daily life. I just got off the phone with one of your buddies, and now I need to go to my cell phone provider and get a document proving that MY cell phone number is under MY name and not YOURS in order to get this credit company to stop calling me. By doing this will not end all of the unnecessary phone calls I've been receiving because there are 5... Yes, 5 different collection companies looking for YOU! So most likely I will need to send all of these companies proof that MY cell phone number is MINE and not YOURS!

Hopefully once this all gets resolved you will learn how to spend your money wisely and stop using credit cards. I'm sorry if you have never been given the proper education on how to handle your finances, but there are many credit solution companies out there that can teach you how to balance a check book and how to use credit properly, FOR FREE!

Again, I'm sorry for your existing situation, but I would really appreciate it if you leave me and my cellphone out of it.

Sincerely,

Nancy S.

Good Times With Old Friends

This past weekend we were blessed to spend time with special friends from California. Steve Franssen flew in on Friday for a quick 36 hour visit. It was very sweet of him to make a stop our way on his way home from visiting family on the East coast. We met Steve many, many years ago at our old church's college group. When I think about it, Steve was still in high school when we first met him. Gosh I feel old!

Another friend from our old college group recently moved to the Dallas area. We have been trying to find time to visit with LaRue and her husband Dave for several months, but our busy schedules have prevented us from seeing one another. By chance, LaRue and Dave were available for dinner Friday night! It was so much fun to have Steve, LaRue and Dave over. We had a blast hanging out, playing poker, eating yummy food, laughing and reminiscing about old times!

On Saturday we took Steve on a driving tour of Dallas. We went by the grassy knowl where Kennedy was assassinated. It's rather odd but there are x's painted in the street where each shot struck the former President. Weird, huh? We drove him by the AA center, Texas Stadium and went by the Gaylord Texan Hotel for lunch and to walk through the hotel's atrium. We still had some time to kill before taking Steve to the airport, so we went and looked at model homes nearby. Steve was amazed what one could get for their money in the Dallas area. He was also amazed on how finished, unsold homes within the developments were unlocked for people to walk through and view. One particular house was our favorite by far! It is a 7800 sq. ft. home on a half acre lot with 6 bedroom, 8 bath, 5 living areas (including a media room) 3 kitchens (no joking!), and a 4 car garage. The sticker price was a mere 1.25 million dollars. Where Steve lives in CA, one may get a 1800 sq foot, 3-4 bedroom, 2 bath fixer-upper built in the 1970's for that price. ;0) Granted, neither one of us could afford this home, but it still blew Steve away at what you can get for your money out here.

STEVE'S DREAM HOME!

First Day Of The Fourth Grade

Honestly, it feels like yesterday that I took this picture. This is Micah walking HIMSELF into school on his first day of Kindergarten. He didn't want us to walk him in. It took everything within me to not follow him inside of the school that morning.

Baking Snickerdoodle Pie

The cooler weather we've been having and finding a yummy pie recipe in the September issue of Better Homes and Gardens, has inspired me to bake. I hate to cook, but I love to bake. Good thing my husband is an excellent cook, because if not my family would starve or be fat from eating only cakes, pies and cookies. I can cook for the record, I just don't enjoy doing it. Soowan enjoys cooking so he makes dinner about 70% of the time. The other 30% we eat out. ;0) Sad thing is there is a lot of truth in that last sentence.

Micah loves Snickerdoodle cookies! When I saw the recipe in the magazine yesterday I thought it would be fun for Micah and I to make one. Micah really wanted to try and do it all by himself (with Mom observing close by of course). Truly I didn't need to intervene all that much though. Micah did a really great job. Not sure how good the pie is yet, but it sure smells and looks good! We'll be eating it for dessert after Soowan makes dinner! I know... I'm spoiled!

Edited to add recipe.

*** Micah's Snikerdoodle Pie was delicious! It's more of a breakfast pie rather than a dessert pie. You would want to take this pie to a morning Bible study or brunch. ENJOY! ***


SNICKERDOODLE PIE Better Homes & Garden September Issue

*We used a pre-made frozen pie crust from the store. I may like to bake but not that much. ;0)

Prep: 40 min.
Bake: 45 min.
Cool: 30 min.
Stand: 30 min.


Ingredients
1 Recipe Single-Crust Pie Pastry, see recipe, or 1 rolled refrigerated unbaked pie crust (1/2 of a 15-oz. pkg.)
1 Tbsp. raw sugar or coarse sugar
1/2 plus 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon, divided
2 tsp. butter, melted
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
3 Tbsp. water
2 Tbsp. light-colored corn syrup
1/2 plus 1 tsp. vanilla, divided
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare pastry and line 9-inch pie plate. In bowl combine raw sugar and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Brush melted butter over crust. Sprinkle with 1 tsp. of cinnamon-sugar mixture. Set aside.

2. For syrup, in saucepan combine brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, the water, corn syrup, and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil gently for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Set aside.

3. In mixing bowl beat 1/4 cup softened butter with electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Beat in granulated sugar, powdered sugar, baking powder, salt, and cream of tartar until well combined. Beat in egg and 1 tsp. vanilla. Gradually beat in milk until combined. Beat in flour. Spread evenly in crust-lined pie plate.

4. Slow pour syrup over the filling in pie plate. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Cover edges of pie with foil.

5. Bake pie 25 minutes; carefully remove foil. Bake about 20 minutes more or until top is puffed and golden brown, and a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 30 minutes on wire rack. Serve warm. Makes 10 servings.

Pictures From My Garden

My calendar reads it is mid-August but it feels more like November here in Dallas these past couple of days. It feels like it is fall outside, but my green, Red Oak tells me otherwise. The Dallas area has received several inches of rain and unseasonably low temperatures since Saturday. My garden and lawn have certainly benefited from this unseasonable weather. Just a week ago our lawn was starting to get dry and brown in some areas and many of my annuals were looking kind of tired and thirsty. Understandably well considering we had 13 strait days of 100+ temps.

Now things have changed. Today when I came up the driveway from grocery shopping I noticed one of my Texas Sage bushes was in full bloom. I love the brilliant lavender color of these flowers. Unfortunately they are not fragrant, but nice to look at otherwise.



I realize Vincas are not the prettiest annual out there, but they stand up rather well with summer heat. Like I mentioned, last week these guys looked like they were not doing very well, and now look at them!!!



It looks like my Passiflora Vines are about bloom, for there are many buds waiting to open. I'm sure that will occur once the sun starts shining again, but I still wouldn't mind having more hazy, rainy days before that happens. My roses are benefiting from all of the rain too! Looks like they will be in full bloom in about a week as well! I'm happy when my garden is happy!

Vacation Pics

We returned home yesterday from our trip to Hot Springs Village, AR. The weather was cool, mild and comfortable. It even rained for two days straight! Most people would consider rain on their vacation a bad thing, but we welcomed the rain wholeheartedly. After 14 strait days of 100+ temps in Dallas, rain and 70 degree weather was a refreshing change.

The best part of the vacation for me was going to the Steven Curtis Chapman concert! I thought the concert was going to be emotional, but it turned out to be very inspirational. I'm sure most of you know about the tragedy of the Chapman's losing their youngest daughter this past May. He spoke of the accident and how their family is coping through their grief. He also shared many memories about Maria prior to the accident. One story in particular brought me to tears. Not tears of sadness but one of hope and joy.

Steven shared about Maria asking her Mom (in February of this year, 3 months before the accident) if God really has a big house in Heaven. Mary Beth Chapman said, "Yes. The Bible says God is preparing a house for all His children." Maria then asked if it was true that there would be lots and lots of rooms in this house. Mary Beth answered, "Yes." Maria then replied, "Good! Then I could have a really big sleepover with all my friends!"

Maria then asked her Mom, "Is it true that there is a very large table with lots of food?" At this point Mary Beth realized that Maria must of learned at preschool the song written by Audio Adrenaline, whom Steven had toured with several years prior. So Mary Beth added to Maria's line of questions, "And there's a great big yard, where you can play football!" Steven then shared that Maria's face instantly looked at her Mom in amazement and asked, "How did you know?"

Maria then asked Mary Beth how people get to Heaven and whether or not she was going to go there?. At this point Mary Beth went and got Steven and the two of them shared the Gospel with Maria. They went through several verses in the Bible to explain salvation to her. When they were finished sharing Maria said, "I want to go to Heaven!" and asked her parents to pray with her. They prayed with Maria while she sat on the kitchen counter. After Maria prayed, Steven shared that she was excited about the fact that she knew she was going to go to Heaven. WOW! What a testimony!

He shared so much more, but I feel like I would be gossiping by writing it all down. The concert felt incredibly intimate, hearing him lay it all down before God (and in front of us). His two sons Caleb and Will were there. They are apart of Steven's band. He praised and spoke fondly of both of them throughout the concert and about his other children as well.

Here are some pictures we took at the concert, although not too many. Shortly before the show started, it began to rain. It rained throughout the entire concert. We didn't see anyone get up to leave, nor did anyone complain (including our kids!). Amanda actually enjoyed the rain. I had brought a towel for her to lay down on in case she got tired, and used it to try and shield the rain from falling down on her. She kept on pulling the towel away and soon enough I just let the rain fall down on her. She was all smiles and kept leaning her head back, with her mouth wide open trying to catch raindrops on her tongue. Not too many 21 month old babies would tolerate rain, let alone sitting in it for 2 hours during a concert, and try to catch rain on their tongue without being prompted to do so. She such a complete joy to our family!







While in Hot Springs we went to the Magic Springs & Crystal Falls Amusement/Water Park, Mid America Science Museum, searched for diamonds (which we did not find any) at Crater of Diamonds State Park. We also fished, the boys went golfing, we did a little hiking and walked around historic Hot Springs' bath house row. We passed on bathing at any of the bath houses, but enjoyed touring inside them. Micah enjoyed the waterfall area where 143 degree water came seeping out of the rocks. It was pretty cool!

Now whether or not we would ever return to Hot Springs, AR again... I would say most likely not. Why? Let's just say our family was not very welcomed by a lot of the locals there. We were given many dirty looks and received many racist comments (said to our face) about our family make-up. There were confederate flags hung just about everywhere, even on people's boats and golf carts. Etched or written on trees and walls were many racist words/phrases as well as KKK was written just about everywhere. The scariest moment for me was when we drove out to a scenic overlook in a remote part of Hot Springs National Park. There was a large covered, wooden deck that stretched out over the cliff. The views were spectacular, yet there was graffiti sprayed all over the deck and the gazebo top with words of hate and violence.

At first all of this angered me to the core. Then that anger quickly changed to sorrow, because I grieved the fact that people can be filled with so much hate, (mostly hate that has been passed down from generation to generation). Many people stick there head in the sand and refuse to believe that this kind of stuff still exists in our nation. If you're one of them, it's time to wipe the sand out of your eyes, because it does. God did not create racism, man did. It's a selfish, superior mindset, that separates one from God.

With that said, I leave you with the song Yours, by Steven Curtis Chapman. We are all God's children, regardless of race.