Peanut Butter Eggs

Yesterday afternoon was cold and rainy - perfect for staying inside and making Peanut Butter Eggs. All three boys gladly helped form eggs. Caleb was later initiated into the fine art of egg-dipping - then he promptly licked the bowl clean.

Peanut Butter Eggs

40 oz. jar Jif peanut butter
1 C. butter, softened
6 C. 10X sugar + some
2 - 3 lbs. of dipping chocolate

Blend peanut butter, butter and 10X sugar with wooden spoon and/or hands until smooth. Dipping fingers in 10X sugar, mold mixture into egg shapes. Place in freezer for about 45 minutes or until cold and hard. Melt your dipping chocolate and, working quickly, coat eggs and place on waxed paper-lined cookie sheet. Place in freezer until hard. Remove and store in airtight tins in a cool location. (Or you can store them in the freezer - we just prefer room-temperature eggs to frozen ones.) Makes approx. 80-100 eggs depending on size. (If you have extra chocolate, throw in raisins, peanuts or pretzels to coat. Also great for dipping strawberries into!)

Momentary Retreats

"Whatever we do, even if we are reading the Word or praying, we should stop for a few minutes - as often as possible - to praise God from the depths of our hearts, to enjoy Him there in secret. Since you believe that God is always with you, no matter what you may be doing, why shouldn't you stop for awhile to adore Him, to praise Him, to petition Him, to offer Him your heart, and to thank Him?

What could please God more than for us to leave the cares of the world temporarily in order to worship Him in our spirits? These momentary retreats serve to free us from our selfishness, which can only exist in the world. In short, we cannot show God our loyalty to Him more than by renouncing our worldly selves as much as a thousand times a day to enjoy even a single moment with Him.

This doesn't mean you must leave the duties of the world forever; that would be impossible. Let prudence be your guide. But I do believe that it is a common mistake of spirit-filled persons not to leave the cares of the world from time to time to praise God in their spirits and to rest in the peace of His divine presence for a few moments."

-- Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God

Eli's PEZ Dispensers

Just a fun photo E. set up of all his Easter PEZ dispensers - his creative eye never ceases to delight me.

Under the Sea!

Yesterday my sister had a small family gathering for her oldest son's 5th birthday. She chose an "under the sea" theme. Though none of my photos came out well due to the overcast day, I did include this one of my nephew. Notice the blue tablecloth to represent the water, real seashells, seaweed (light green Easter grass!), and pink crepe paper jelly fish (there were also several hanging from the light fixture). The cake followed right along with the theme as well - including icing starfish, gummy fish, and gel jellyfish.


I also included a shot of one of the spring vignettes J. had throughout her home - so pink and pretty!

Just A Little Note . . .

(Photo by Eli)

. . . to say how very much I appreciate each and every one of you who take the time to send me a comment or note from time to time. Your little words of encouragement are of great blessing to me. God uses each of you to encourage me to keep on keeping on in the simple ministries that He has given me to do. Though we may never meet this side of the blogosphere, I look forward to meeting all of my sisters in Christ one day in Heaven.

Very Best Fudge

Tomorrow after Sunday service, we'll enjoy an Easter dinner together as a church family. We're each to bring a dessert, and seeing as how I came across this yummy-looking fudge recipe, I decided to give it a whirl. Wow - glad I did. Never made chocolate fudge before (usually peanut butter), but this one's going in the recipe box!

Very Best Fudge

3 C. sugar
1 - 12 oz. can evaporated milk
1/4 C. butter or margarine
1/2 tsp. salt
4 C. mini marshmallows
2 - 12 oz. pkgs. of semi-sweet morsels
2 tsp. vanilla

Line a 13x9" baking pan with foil. Combine sugar, milk, butter and salt in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 4 minutes. (I start timing as soon as the mixture starts boiling. I don't wait until it comes to a full rolling boil.) Remove from heat. Stir in marshmallows, morsels and vanilla. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until marshmallows are melted. Pour into prepared pan. Refrigerate for at least two hours or until firm. Lift from pan and cut into pieces. Store tightly covered in refrigerator. Makes about 4 lbs.

Flying Kites!

We spent yesterday at the nursing home where M.'s parents volunteer full-time. In the morning, the boys demonstrated how to make kites (using these instructions) and the residents helped with the process. After lunch, the boys went outside to fly them while the residents watched from the windows. Later in the afternoon we made waffle-and-ice-cream sandwiches for their snack. It's always such a blessing to spend time there - it's also a great way to cultivate thankfulness for our healthy bodies and minds.

Thank God for His Mercy

"Let us make crystal clear at the beginning of each new day, all we will get from God as believers in Jesus is mercy. Whatever pleasures or pains may come our way in this day, they will all be mercy. This is why Christ came into the world - "in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy" (Romans 15:9). We were born again "according to his great mercy" (I Peter 1:3); we pray daily "that we may receive mercy" (Hebrews 4:16); and we are now "waiting for the mercy for our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life" (Jude 1:21). If any Christian proves trustworthy, it is "by the Lord's mercy (he) is trustworthy" (I Corinthians 7:25). In the end, when all is said and done, we will confess, "So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy" (Romans 9:16)."

-- John Piper, Life As A Vapor: Thirty-One Meditations For Your Faith

Easter Eggs

I finished my Easter project of these painted and beribboned, papier mache eggs and presented them to my sister tucked into a berry box. I encouraged her to transfer them into one of her elegant bowls and display them during this Easter season. I can't wait to see how they look with her other springtime decorations.

Sabbath Rest

(Photo by Eli)

We just finished watching my all-time favorite episode of "The Andy Griffith Show." The episode is called "Man In A Hurry" and is about a businessman whose car breaks down in Mayberry on a Sunday. Wanting it fixed so he can be on his way, he spends the majority of the episode frustrated at the fact that life in Mayberry shuts down on the Sabbath. He eventually comes to view the restful day of simple pleasures as a blessing, instead of a curse.

When the show was over, I told Eli that that is my favorite Andy episode. He asked me why because he doesn't think it has much of a plot. My response to him was that I love how they portray the Sabbath - as a time of rest, peace, family and simple pleasures. I explained to him the tremendous joy I've found in Sundays over the years as our family has chosen to view the day as God intended - a day of rest.

As a new Christian many years ago, I viewed keeping the Sabbath in a rather legalistic way - I spent much time and energy drawing up rules and regulations in my mind about how to keep it. If I would have been honest at the time, I would have had to admit that I viewed it as more of a curse than a blessing - yet another commandment to obey.

Fast forward many years and God in His grace has revealed to me the wisdom of keeping His command - for my good, for my joy. A day of worship and fellowship with our church family, a break from regular chores, a nap and time to read, a hike with one another or drive to see the country, time visiting with extended family and friends, a long walk down the road. What bliss! What rest for my mind, soul and body. How wise and good God was to give us the idea, the command of Sabbath rest.

Thank You, Abba, for Your infinite wisdom. Being our Perfect Creator, You know exactly that which our minds, bodies and spirits have need of. Thank You for the blessing of Sabbath rest.

The Common Criminal

" . . . When you reflect upon Jesus Christ hanging on the cross of shame, you understand the depth and weight of human sin. How do we measure the size of a fire? By the number of firefighters and fire engines sent to fight against it. How do we measure the seriousness of a medical condition? By the amount of risk the doctors take in prescribing dangerous antibiotics or surgical procedures. How do we measure the gravity of sin and the incomparable vastness of God's love for us? By looking at the magnitude of what God has done for us in Jesus, who became like a common criminal for our sake and in our place.

When you really come to know the unconditional love and forgiveness of Jesus, then you will also come to know the depth of your own participation in sin. And at the very same moment (this is the glory of Good Friday) you will come to know the true reality, the true joy and gladness, of the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord."

-- Fleming Rutledge, Bread and Wine - Readings for Lent and Easter

Toured Harley This Morning

LOVE that grin!

Roasted Tomato & Barley Soup

This is a deliciously thick and hearty soup. Ben said last night at the supper table that he thinks this is his favorite soup of all-time. I took that as high praise!

1 can (about 28 oz.) of diced tomatoes, undrained
2 large onions, diced
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 tabl. olive oil
4 C. of water
2 beef bouillon cubes
1/2 tabl. Season-All
1/2 C. uncooked pearl barley
Desired amount of cooked and shredded roast beef

Heat oven to 425. Drain tomatoes, reserving juice. Place the tomatoes and onions on a large, lipped cookie sheet or in a roasting pan. Sprinkle with the garlic powder and pour on the olive oil; toss. Roast for 25 minutes. Place the roasted veggies into a large saucepan. Stir in reserved tomato juice, water, seasonings, barley and beef and heat to boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 35 minutes or until the barley is tender.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Away For a Few Days . . .

. . . see you next week!

My Handsome Photographer

Going Up

"What became of Noah's ark when the waters thus increased: It was lifted up above the earth (Genesis 7:17) and went upon the face of the waters (vs. 18). When all other buildings were demolished by the waters, and buried under them, the ark alone subsisted. Observe,

1. The waters which broke down everything else bore up the ark. That which to unbelievers is a savour of death is to the faithful a savour of life unto life.

2. The more the waters increased the higher the ark was lifted up towards heaven. Thus sanctified afflictions are spiritual promotions; and as troubles abound consolations much more abound."

-- From Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis

Making St. Patrick's Day Cards

Twice-Baked Potatoes

8 large baking potatoes
3/4 C. milk, warmed
1/2 C. butter, softened
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 C. cheddar cheese
1 tabl. dried onion flakes

Heat oven to 350. Prick potatoes and bake for an hour or more until tender. Cut slice in the top of each potato and scoop out inside leaving thin shells. Place scooped-out potatoes in mixing bowl and slowly add milk, butter and seasonings. Beat well and then stir in cheese and onion flakes. Fill shells with mixture and bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until heated throughout.

M. showed Eli how to mount his camera on our old tripod. So now he's walking around the farm and through the house setting up his tripod and making movies. When I made these potatoes for supper last night, E. filmed me and had me explain how to make this recipe as if I were a cooking show star!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window . . . there are beautiful, tiny green shoots emerging from my flower beds and welcoming sunshine beckoning me to come out and play. I also see Caleb twirling a yo-yo above his head!

I am thinking . . . that I am thankful to have gotten so much cleaning and tidying up done today. After a very busy weekend, the house was in sorry shape this morning.

I am remembering . . . Saturday morning enjoying the pinewood derby. I had fun watching my boys race their cars as well as making it a point to catch up with a variety of friends. The evening found us at a local pizza shop to spend our gift certificate (thanks again, C!). Sunday was busying with church in the morning, a nap, visiting several family members and then evening church. The service was very interesting - we heard from two young people getting ready to be missionaries in Argentina. The fellowship at the social afterwards was as sweet as the desserts.

I am thankful . . . for fellow believers. What a joy Heaven will be as we all spend eternity together with our Lord!!

From the kitchen . . . Big Twice-Baked Potatoes for supper with some Strawberry Jello and Homemade Applesauce. And if I have time, some special cupcakes.

I am creating . . . two homemade thank-you cards for a Valentine gift from a friend and a box of raspberry-flavored Scripture tea my grandmother gave me.

On the record player . . . yet another Guy Lombardo record. I'm hooked. And at 25 cents apiece at the local Salvation Army, I'm sure more of his dinner dance music will be lining my record box.

Around the house . . . laundry, some bills to pay, an Easter project to finish up, a seed catalog that needs perused and a shopping list created, and snail mail newsletters to send out.

I am hearing . . . a chicken gently clucking outside the schoolroom window. (Their quiet, content noises remind me of cats' purring.)

This week . . . prepping for a cabin weekend, a library trip for school books, and cleaning the church.

A few of my favorite things . . . Sunday afternoon naps, sharing lessons learned with my husband, and listening to my 16-year-old teach our Sunday school class of 6 and 7 year-olds.

For more Daybook links, visit The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Caleb's Shining Moment

Caleb took 1st place in his division for design with his hand-carved chainsaw this morning at our church's pinewood derby. My mother's-heart was proud!

Inspiration From the Garden Show

(Photos by Eli)

The All Important Picture

Yet another thought-provoking article by Sarah Clarkson . . . this time on God's love for us.

Notes on Noah

"And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation." -- Genesis 7:1

Notes from Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis:

* God does not bide him go into the ark, but come into it, implying that God would go with him, would lead him into it, accompany him in it, and in due time bring him safely out of it. Note, Wherever we are, it is very desirable to have the presence of God with us, for this is all in all to the comfort of every condition. It was this that made Noah's ark, which was a prison, to be to him not only a refuge, but a palace.

* This call to Noah was a type of the call which the gospel gives to poor sinners. Christ is an ark already prepared, in whom alone we can be safe when death and judgment come.

Thank You, Lord, for being my Ark - a place of safety, security and salvation.

Sweetness

German Chocolate Cool Bars

1 C. chocolate Oreos
1/4 C. melted butter
2 packages of German sweet chocolate (found in baking section)
1/3 C. milk
1 - 3 oz. package of cream cheese
1 - 16 oz. container of Cool Whip

Crush cookies and combine with melted butter; press mixture into the bottom of a 9" square pan. Take one-half of one package of the chocolate and grate with the fine side of a grater; set aside. In a saucepan, melt the remaining chocolate in the milk over low heat while stirring. Once chocolate is melted, beat in the cream cheese with a wire whisk. Once melted and blended, let cool for 5 minutes. Fold 3 1/2 C. of the Cool Whip into the chocolate mixture. Stir in the grated chocolate and then spread onto cookie crust. Top with remaining Cool Whip and freeze for at least 2 hours.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window . . . the chickens are walking around the yard, glad to be free from their winter coop for awhile.

I am thinking . . . that after I'm finished posting, I want to get a walk in before the baby wakes up. (I'm babysitting Sweetness itself today, AKA one of my nephews. He's so cute, I can hardly stand it!)

I am remembering . . . yesterday spent with friends - catching up, watching the nail-biting American-Canadian hockey game, supper together and several rounds of cards to finish the evening.

I am thankful . . . that I have had the privilege and joy of being at home now for 16+ years with my children. What an incredible blessing that I don't ever want to take for granted.

From the kitchen . . . Chicken Spaghetti with Cauliflower and German Chocolate Cool Bars.

I am creating . . . yellow and pink papier mache Easter eggs with gorgeous springtime ribbon wrapped around the middle.

On the record player . . . Andy Griffith singing Timeless Hymns

Around the house . . . the normal routine of everyday chores, need to write out a birthday card, and clean up all the toys in the living room that the baby's been playing with (long time since I had to do that!)

This week . . . the rescheduled Pinewood Derby and Bible study, a book sale, and trip to the local flower show with Mom.

A few of my favorite things . . . babies who hold their arms out to you, licking Cool Whip off my fingers and book sale season.

For more Daybook links, visit The Simple Woman's Daybook.