No Idle Bread

It's the last day of the Gratitude Challenge. I wasn't able to post each day, but my heart has been grateful as I count my blessings, naming them one by one.

I have been full with the goodness of the Lord, full with the many, many blessings that He's showered down into the life of my family and my friends, the blessings He's showered in my own heart. I am full!

And today I want to share with you a very special blessing. . .it hasn't quite arrived, but he is still a blessing nonetheless. . .

"This is the LORD's doing;
it is marvellous in our eyes."
-Psalm 118:23

This little blessing has filled our lives with so much joy and we stand in awe at an Almighty God.

This little blessing has been swimming and growing and sprouting and rolling and tumbling and hiccuping and stretching and tugging and pushing and kicking and turning and flexing his way into our hearts for days and days and days. . . and we gladly receive him.

God has done a mighty thing in our lives and we are so extremely grateful. . . it still brings me to tears (even as I type these words) to see where he's brought us from. Our hearts grow fuller and fuller with the passing of each day. . .waiting, in hopeful expectation, each day full of giving Glory to God. Full of thanksgiving. (Glory to Your Name, Father!!)

I am humbled,
I am overwhelmed,
I am glad,
I am over-joyed,
I am running out of words. . .
If I had ten thousand tongues, I still couldn't praise Him enough. . .

I am just so thankful.
God is so incredibly good.

I am Full. . .

by Stacie on Wednesday, November 30, 2011

It's the last day of the Gratitude Challenge. I wasn't able to post each day, but my heart has been grateful as I count my blessi...

Today I am thankful for the way my family and I celebrated Thanksgiving.

My husband and son prepared the brine for the turkey. Husband roasted it when the brining process was complete (totally his thing and it tastes so good!)

Husband made the best green beans (as always!).

My daughters and I made ham, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes (yyyaaaaammms, as my son calls them), mashed potatoes, kale greens, biscuits and a pound cake (half of which went to my sweet neighbors).

We took Wednesday and Thursday to prep and cook. My son said that he and Daddy were the chefs, and that the girls and I were the bakers. . .so cute! It was fun to see them wanting to help and learn family recipes and "secret" ingredients.

I spoke with my parents both days (who live out of state) to see what they were cooking, how things were going, what time dinner would be with my family back home.

Being that we are due to deliver soon, my sweet, sweet Husband helped me chop, slice, clean, season, carry hot dishes, put away leftovers, retrieve pots and pans, clean a bit more. Truly a sweet, sweet blessing to me.

We sat down to dinner around the table, Husband asking God's blessings over the food and our time of thanksgiving.

While we ate, we reflected on our blessings; how good God has been and how yummy the food was. Laughing at our dogs who wished they could be seated at the table with us.

Also, part of our morning school routine for November has been to write down something we are thankful for on different pieces of construction paper. We attached the pieces together in one long strip to make a table runner. So, during our Thanksgiving meal, we read over the different things the kids said they were thankful for! That was fun because it included a wide range of things from the serious, like Jesus, family and food, to the fun stuff, like toy trucks, and laughter.

Later, we went to my Husband's parent's home for fun, fellowship, and dessert. My brother in-law and his wife and son were there, as well as my sister-in law and a friend of hers. We played a hilarious game of Balderdash (SO MUCH FUN!), watched a little football, let the kids play, play, and play some more!

God is so gracious, so kind, so great, so good. I am thankful for my family and the place they hold in my heart. I am thankful for Thanksgiving, the blessings it brings, the traditions being passed down, one generation to the other. So thankful. . .

Thanksgiving Traditions

by Stacie on Saturday, November 26, 2011

Today I am thankful for the way my family and I celebrated Thanksgiving. My husband and son prepared the brine for the turkey. Husband ...

What amazes me about God is how He works in the small things. Little things that bring me joy and wonder, as it just shows God's hand all along. I know this may seem silly to some, but to me, it's just noticing the tiny gifts He gives along the way. Here's what I mean. . .

The toy train that my son loves to push around and around the house, was given to my oldest daughter for her 1st birthday. She never really played with it much, neither did my other daughter, but for some reason, we never gave it away. Now I know why!
In college, the scholarship program I was in did a lot of community service. Who knew that the sidewalk chalk we used to make signs on campus, would also be the same chalk my children would use to make designs on our patio?
A bible given to me for my high school graduation, and one in honor of my wedding, are now both used as study Bibles for my daughters in our history lessons.
All of the puzzles, animal/insect books, construction paper, work/coloring books, pencils that my parents have always given my children for Christmas, birthdays, "just because" days, are now being used in our schoolroom. Who knew we'd ever be a homeschooling family? I had never "planned" to homeschool before becoming a mom, and even years into motherhood. Thank God that He knows much better than me! (Grateful to be homeschooling!)

I could probably go on and on and on. I encourage you to look back over your lives and see the ways that God's hand guided your life. It may be huge things; it may be little things. No matter how great or small, I believe if we look hard enough, we can see how faithful He has been.

Little Things

by Stacie on Wednesday, November 23, 2011

What amazes me about God is how He works in the small things. Little things that bring me joy and wonder, as it just shows God's h...

Dear Husband recently had a birthday and of course I am super thankful for that!!!

The kids and I showered him with gifts of love, and hugs, and kisses, and birthday cards, and a dessert!

Pumpkin Trifle

Husband likes pumpkin and whipped cream, so I thought this would be the perfect birthday dessert for him. Click HERE to find the recipe at Women Living Well. The kids and I had fun making this dessert. It was our 1st time making a trifle, ever, and it turned out great. My husband thought it was really good, too! (Even I think it's pretty good, and I'm not a fan of pumpkin or whipped cream!)

I'm thankful for having a Husband to make desserts for. I'm thankful for children who wanted to help make Daddy a yummy treat. Thank You, God for Your blessings.

Yummy Birthday Surprise!

by Stacie on Monday, November 21, 2011

Dear Husband recently had a birthday and of course I am super thankful for that!!! The kids and I showered him with gifts of love, and ...

Today I am thankful for 2 puppies.

As I mentioned before, our dog had puppies 2 weeks ago. . .
The puppies below are 2 out of a litter 7. . . the only 2 that survived--we originally thought that 5 would make it, but it wasn't so. They are 2 weeks old today.

Puppies asleep in a basket. . .camera shy. :o)

The past 2 weeks have been filled with wonder, sadness, tears, joy, laughter, exhaustion, frustration, helping, all because of the puppies, the process. We own both the "mom" (Meridius) and the "dad" (Wimbley) as our pets, and they had a rough couple of weeks as well.

Meridius nursing her pups

Meridius couldn't figure out what was wrong with her little ones who didn't survive, licking them and "nosing" them, trying to get them to perk up. It was so sad. . .but 2 survived. Meridius has been sleeping a lot, regaining her strength, healing. Also, after some discussion, along with the veterinarian's advice, my husband and I decided that Wimbley should go in to be neutered. So, he's been in "recovery" mode, too.

Wimbley

This was their 2nd litter and it was a very similar experience as the last time. They had 4 puppies that time, and only 2 survived. It was horrible both times, so I will spare you the details of their deaths. . .it wasn't pretty, a bit difficult for the family . . . but at least 2 survived.

The reason I can be grateful on the other side of all of this, is because I serve an awesome God, Who is capable of showing me the good in the midst of the bad. This experience has helped my children understand how precious life is, to know a little bit of pain so that we could teach them to turn to God in prayer in their time of need.

It has taught them responsibility in caring for the puppies: cleaning their blankets, retrieving the puppy that likes to burrow under the blankets, helping me with various tasks throughout the day. We've been blessed to see our children take the initiative to help wherever they can. It's been a family project, a family blessing.

So, we are grateful for the 2 that made it!!

Puppies

by Stacie on Sunday, November 20, 2011

Today I am thankful for 2 puppies. As I mentioned before, our dog had puppies 2 weeks ago . . . The puppies below are 2 out of a litt...

I was pleased to get this Bible to review. I got it with my Husband in mind, because he wanted a different study Bible for his morning quiet time.

After reading through a few of my favorite passages, I must say that I like this Bible pretty well. The translation is based on a variation of the New Century Version of the Bible, making it easy to follow along. Since it is also a study Bible, there are many comments, notes, and references added for clarity. However, these notations are given within the text, rather than being compiled and listed below the text itself. At first I thought this would be a distraction from the reading, but it is quite the opposite. It is helpful not to have to "hold my place" while I fish through the notes below.

Another thing I enjoyed about the Expanded Bible is that it has an extensive introduction, so that the reader is able to understand the notations that are made throughout the text. It gives a clear example of each type of notation that is made, allowing the reader to become familiar with this style. There is also a subject index in the back that lists major events or topics of the Bible, and the Scriptural reference for them. Here is an example of a well-known passage of Scripture:

Psalm 23

¹ The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything I need [will lack nothing].
² He lets me rest [makes me lie down] in green pastures.
He leads me to calm [quiet]water.
³ He gives me new strength [renews my soul].
He leads me on paths that are right [righteous; or straight]
for the good [sake] of his name [reputation].
⁴ Even if I walk through a very dark valley [or the shadow of death],
I will not be afraid [fear no evil],
because you are with me.
Your rod and your shepherd's staff comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a meal [table] for me
in front [the presence] of my enemies.
You pour oil of blessing on my head [anoint my head with oil; oil was a means of refreshment in a hot, dry environment];
you fill my cup to overflowing [make my cup overflow; a cup of blessing].
⁶ Surely your goodness and love [loyalty; mercy] will be with [pursue; follow] me
all my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever [for length of days].

*Italics are my own to show the difference between Biblical text and the notation.

There are just a few minor things that I did not care for in this Bible. There is no concordance in the back, which I am accustomed to using to look up passages of Scripture. This Bible also lacks time lines and maps, which I feel are important keys in gaining further insight and depth about the things of the Bible. However, I still would certainly recommend this Bible as an additional tool of reading and reference.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review blogger's program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission

Book Review: The Expanded Bible

by Stacie on Thursday, November 17, 2011

I was pleased to get this Bible to review. I got it with my Husband in mind, because he wanted a different study Bible for his morning...

I just have to say, my children and I really like this book!

This book presents the Bible's heroes and its villains. It shows children that the biggest difference between a godly hero and a villain lies in the choices they made. And just like the people in the Bible, we face choices each day as well--will we follow God, even when it's difficult?

At the end of person's story, there is a small "lesson" for children to read. It helps them to apply the gist of the story to their own lives, showing them the ways they can live their lives for God. When reading this book, children will realize that true heroes are not perfect, but are those that choose to serve God.

Each person's story is an excerpt from the International Children's Bible, so that children are actually reading Bible text. Also, each story is very nicely illustrated. . .that is one of the first things my daughter said, "Mommy, I really like the pictures!" Although the pictures are beautiful, I wish they portrayed a bit more cultural diversity and accuracy.

My daughters and I have enjoyed reading about familiar heroes and villains, and also reading about those that aren't as familiar. We will continue to use this book during Bible devotions, history for school, and also for free reading time. Great book!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review blogger's program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

Book Review: Heroes & Villains of the Bible, compiled by Tama Fortner

by Stacie on Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I just have to say, my children and I really like this book! This book presents the Bible's heroes and its villains. It shows chil...

I was invited to a tea party/picnic by my younger daughter, TM. So there we sat on the floor with all of our "food" and tea party items, along with a few stuffed animals. My oldest daughter decided to join us, and told us that whenever we sipped our tea, we had to "stick our pinkies out"! Strawberries, grapes, chicken legs, corn-on-the-cob, crossaints, waffles, hotdogs and more--what a spread! Good "food," fun, and lady-like fellowship!

This wasn't our tea party today, but this is an
example of the "spread" my girls usually have! :)

Later on, while the girls went outside to play, my son asked me if I could watch him play the computer. So, I told him that I would sit next to him and watch him. (He sure is good at the pizza game!) He was even more thrilled when I brought my laptop over and we sat, side-by-side, both "doing the computer" as he says. Every now and then, he'd glance over and smile at me or give me a little kiss on my arm! LOL

Me and JR, taken last winter. . .Valentine's Day.

It's the little moments like these that I cherish! It's so sweet!!!! (I'm a mushy mom.) It is also very informative: my girls want me to be actively engaged, participating, joining in. My son wants me to just be near, accompany him, observe. Very interesting. . . I love those little people!

I'm thankful for little moments with my children!

Little Moments

by Stacie on Sunday, November 13, 2011

I was invited to a tea party/picnic by my younger daughter, TM. So there we sat on the floor with all of our "food" and tea par...

Last year, when I did this gratitude challenge, I mentioned my good neighbors. Well, it turns out, I have to mention them again! They are a sweet, sweet couple who live across the street. They look out for us, without being nosey and that is something I greatly appreciate. We have shared great laughs, blizzards, wind storms, earthquakes, personal grief, and many blessings. Let me tell you what I think they may be up to now. . .

Thursdays is recycling day in our neighborhood. And in our home, I am in charge of the recycling, mostly because I'm the one who doesn't mind retrieving items out of the regular trash to place with the recyclable items. Anyway, our city gave everyone these large recycling bins on wheels. So, on Thursday mornings, I wheel my bin out to the curb for pick up. These days, however, I'm doing a bit of a waddle-walk down the driveway, because of my sweet "tummy" blessing, who, if God be pleased, is on his way in a few weeks. :)

Well, around lunch time, I usually go out to retrieve the bin and wheel it back up the driveway. For the past couple of weeks, I look out the front door, and the bin is gone! I look over near the garage, and there the bin is, perfectly placed in its spot. To some that's not a big deal, but let me tell you, it's a small thing that brings me so much joy. Although physically, I must look a sight wheeling that bin up the driveway, it isn't too much to handle. And, Husband is more than willing to take care of it for me, but it's just something I don't mind doing. Even still, to go outside and see that the bin has been returned, with no evidence of who's done it, well, that just brings a huge grin to my face!

I see my good neighbors pretty regularly and neither of them has mentioned it, which makes it even more special. They aren't looking for praise or recognition; they just want to be helpful. (I'm pretty sure it's them!) And something that small makes my heart glad. So, once again, if God says the same, I see another tasty, homemade pound cake in their future (especially since I know it's their favorite cake)!

I thank God for my neighbors!

Is It My Neighbors?

by Stacie on Saturday, November 12, 2011

Last year, when I did this gratitude challenge, I mentioned my good neighbors . Well, it turns out, I have to mention them again! They a...

(3) For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. ⁴

(4) But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, ⁵

(5) not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, ⁶

(6) whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
⁸ ~Titus 3:3-6

My soul is overwhelmed, that I cry out in worship, tears of joy, because of such an amazing gift. I am not worthy; it isn't because of what I've done, but simply because of His mercy. Thank You, Lord, I am justified by Your grace. Without grace and mercy, where would I be?

Thank God for His free gift of salvation!

He Saved My Soul!!

by Stacie on Thursday, November 10, 2011

(3) For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and e...

Today, I am thankful that a very full day is drawing to a close!

You see, my dog (Meridius) went into labor Sunday afternoon around 4:30pm. Her last puppy was born today (Monday) around 2:00pm. My husband and I were up, off and on, throughout the night to check on her and the puppies. She had 7 puppies altogether, but only 5 survived. That's a lot for our dog; she's a miniature Schnauzer. This is her 2nd litter. In her first litter, she only had 4. This is what the 1st litter looked like. . .

Meridius was originally in the bathroom downstairs during most of the process, but my husband thought she needed a little more space. We have a closet that opens into our kitchen, but is underneath our staircase. It is supposed to be a coat closet, but because of it's odd, sloping angles, we use it to house some of the childrens' toys and books. They are the only ones who can stand up straight in there! LOL

Anyway, my sweet, lovely babes cleaned that closet out for me, removing the shelf, baskets, and crates, so that our dog and her puppies could have more room. It was a blessing in disguise because it allowed us to reorganize things. (Especially before those well-meaning grandparents/aunts/uncles give the kids more books and toys for Christmas!) We have a 3 pile rule for cleaning out rooms and closets: give away, trash, and keep. My girls made their piles and we found a temporary location for their items. Meanwhile, Meridius and her little pups settled in nicely and they are getting the hang of resting and nursing.

Of course today has been filled with lots and lots of cleaning and lots and lots of questions! :) I'm learning from you veteran homeschoolers out there, that teachable moments can occur at any moment. So our little dog, and her puppies, are currently the subject of our Nature Journals. My girls have been jotting down notes about the happenings around here all day.

As fun as the day has been for them, for all of the enriching, interesting conversations we've had, I am thankful that things have settled down--Mommy's ready to go to bed!!

Thank You, Lord, that after an exhausting day, I can get some rest!

I'm Exhausted!

by Stacie on Monday, November 07, 2011

Today, I am thankful that a very full day is drawing to a close! You see, my dog (Meridius) went into labor Sunday afternoon around 4...

One of the sweetest, most precious gifts my Heavenly Father could have ever bestowed upon my husband and me. . .being parents.

I am so thankful for them, words just cannot express my gratitude to God for the ways these little ones have blessed my heart. Motherhood is such a privilege, a welcomed responsibility, a humbling experience, an eye-opening journey. . .all leading me closer to the Lord. By serving them, raising them, loving them, teaching them, showing them, praying for them, training them, giving to them, I am doing it all for the glory of God. It is an indescribable feeling to know such love, such responsibility, such joy. I am so thankful.

From the bottom of my heart, thank You, God, for my children!

Sweet Gifts

by Stacie on Sunday, November 06, 2011

One of the sweetest, most precious gifts my Heavenly Father could have ever bestowed upon my husband and me. . .being parents. ...

Husband, as I affectionately call him, is my very best friend. I am so thankful to be his wife. He has shown me so much, encouraged me in so many things--to be better, to do better, to remain steadfast, to dig deeper. I love him for this, because without him, I don't think I would have pushed myself outside of my comfort zone. I am thankful to be under his leadership, thankful for his boldness for Christ, thankful for his willingness to protect our children, thankful for his determination, thankful for the ways in which he sacrifices for me--thus demonstrating his love. As he will readily tell you, Husband is not a perfect man, but he is just right for me.

Dinner Cruise--Wedding Anniversary 2010

Thank You, God for the husband You gave me. He has been a great gift; thank You!

Husband. . .

by Stacie on Saturday, November 05, 2011

Husband, as I affectionately call him, is my very best friend. I am so thankful to be his wife. He has shown me so much, encouraged me ...

Ladies, ladies, ladies. I'm afraid my update for October's tasks won't be very in depth. **SIGH**

Task 1 Well, I finished the baby's blanket, but the family afghan still has a little ways to go. I think my "nesting instincts" have started to kick in and all things "baby" now have a sense of urgency.

Incomplete afghan, awaiting the
chocolate brown yarn to be added.

Baby blanket complete!

Task 2 A big incomplete--temporarily on hold--still haven't decided what the room will be! The only thing I've done in our spare room is wash the linen on the bed. . . sad, I know. But, it is the truth. Plans for the room have temporarily changed . . . instead of moving the guest bed into my son's room as his "big boy" bed, for now it will remain a guest bed. My mother is coming in from out of town to help us when the baby is born (thank You, Lord!). So she'll need a place to sleep.

Eventually, we'll move the bed to my son's room in a few months and convert his toddler bed back to a crib for the baby. In the meantime, the "nesting bug" bit my Husband as well and he purchased some much needed items for the baby, including a bassinet for the first few months. (Thanks, Husband--that was a huge stress reliever for me!)

************************************************************************************
Moving on to November's Tasks . . .
Task 1: Crochet a few Christmas presents for my children.
I want to make each of my girls a shawl, each of my boys a hat, and a tic-tac-toe game for all of them. I'm not sure how well this will go, since I still have the afghan left over from last month!

Task 2: I would like to complete all Christmas preparations this month.
I want to do a "Jesse Tree" this year with my family, for the Advent season. So I need to get materials together to make one.
I want to do any Christmas shopping I have left this month, because I don't think I'll be up to it next month. :o)

Task 3: I need to do some patch work!
My sweet kiddos are so famous for getting holes in the knees of their pants!! And it seems to be my younger daughter in particular. She's always pretending to be a puppy or some other animal (she's the animal lover and future farm owner!), so she's always crawling around on the floor. Because the pants are otherwise perfectly good pants, I will be patching them up so that they can wear them around the house, to play in, and for P.E. time.

That's all for now, Ladies. If any of you moms would like to join in this month, head over to Mama Jenn's to link up!

Mama's Mission of the Month (November)

by Stacie on Friday, November 04, 2011

Ladies, ladies, ladies. I'm afraid my update for October's tasks won't be very in depth. **SIGH** Task 1 Well, I finis...

I thank God that I am free to worship Him!

Today, while sitting in the waiting room at the doctor's office, I saw the most uplifting and heart-warming thing. There were 2 women seated to my left, one older, one younger. The older woman took out her Bible and the younger woman took out a Bible study book. And there, in the waiting room, they began to study the Word of God. . . the older woman asking the younger questions about a previous passage, what stood out to her, any questions she had. The younger woman eager and willing to respond and to learn. Then they moved on to a passage of Scripture in the New Testament about the healing power of Jesus Christ.

How touching and how moving on so many levels! The older woman training the younger (Titus 2:3-5), the 2 of them unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16), the liberty of worshiping right where they were (2 Corinthians 3:17).

It blessed my heart. I realize that there are many around the world who do not have this same freedom, because of the laws of the land. And so today, I am grateful that I live in a country in which my family and I can worship the LORD (Joshua 24:15).

Thank God that I can worship Him freely!

Free to Worship

by Stacie on Thursday, November 03, 2011

I thank God that I am free to worship Him! Today, while sitting in the waiting room at the doctor's office, I saw the mos...

I am thankful for homeschooling!!

Today, my county had a meeting for new homeschooling parents. It wasn't mandatory, but the county wanted to welcome us to homeschooling, and ensure that we knew what our rights were under our State law. How encouraging!!! The homeschooling personnel covered key points, passed out copies of our laws, and listed the various ways they could be contacted. They welcomed our children to the meeting, applauded our efforts to be responsible for educating our children, and opened up a question & answer session at the end of their presentation.

While this may sound dull and boring and not in the least bit exciting, I must say that it was super encouraging for me! Being new to homeschooling, I am still learning and understanding things that many veteran homeschoolers already know. It was also encouraging because the homeschooling staff was friendly, professional, engaging, informative, and non-judgemental, as many of them had homeschooled their own children. There are many horror stories out there about lawmakers over-stepping their boundaries in regulating homeschooling. I've heard many terrible things about public school officials not really supporting home education. It's just enough to scare new homeschooling families away, or cause a sense of panic or stress.

While those things are certainly and unfortunately true in many cases, I praise God that He showed me that is not always the case. Sometimes, public school officials think that homeschooling is a great alternative and they are glad to uphold the parent's right to make that choice. I am praising God for the peace that He put into my heart at today's meeting. I am praising God for the path that He has set us on. I don't know where all of the twists and bends will be that we may encounter on this journey, but I am so thankful that God is leading the way.

Thank You, Lord, for allowing me to homeschool my children!!!

Homeschooling Meeting

by Stacie on Wednesday, November 02, 2011

I am thankful for homeschooling!! Today, my county had a meeting for new homeschooling parents. It wasn't mandatory, but th...

It's that time of year again. . . .the Gratitude Challenge is back. It is hosted by Brenda over at Garden of Learning. The way the challenge works is to post each day (if you can!) in November something, anything, that you are grateful to God for. It can be something as precious as your salvation, or something whimsical like snowflakes and candy canes!! Some will post all 30 days; some will do a few days here or there. You can write a post, or you can post a picture. . .it's up to you; just head over to Garden of Learning to link up and meet other grateful bloggers! I'm sure we agree that we all have something to thank God for. Here we go. . .

I am thankful for "family time" moments that occur in my home.

Yesterday, I promised the kids that we would make Crispy Rice snacks in the shape of pumpkins. . .to remind us that God is Lord of the Harvest! Although He is spiritually Lord of the Harvest (Matthew 9:35-38), bringing us unto Himself, redeeming us to work for Him, I explained to the kiddos that He is also Lord of the Harvest, literally. All of the blessings of nourishment we receive is by the Hand of God. And during this season, we want to honor the Lord for the harvest He has provided.

Any way, we made these tasty treats and everyone found their way into the kitchen to help out in some way.

The idea for these yummies can be found HERE,
from Mama Jen's blog.

All 5 of us were in the kitchen stirring, measuring, pouring, tasting, mixing, dipping, more tasting. :o) It was so much fun, especially since the guys (Husband and son) joined in! It wasn't planned that way; the girls and I were going to make them, but the more the merrier!!

Impromptu family time--a blessing!