Try a New Recipe Tuesday- November 6

It's Tuesday and that means "Try a New Recipe Tuesday!"  Looking forward to seeing what you all share this week.  :-)

I am sharing my sugar cookie recipe.  My kids LOVE it.  They are always asking to make them.  It is fun and easy (and they are VERY tasty!)

SUGAR COOKIES

1 cup butter, softened          2 tsp. baking powder

1 cup sugar                           2 3/4 cup flour

1 large EGG                           1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add baking powder and flour (one cup at a time) mixing after addition. The dough will be very stiff, blend last flour in by hand. Do not chill dough. Divide dough into two balls. On a floured surface, roll each ball in a circle approximately twelve inches in diameter and 1/8 inch thick. Dip cutters in flour before each use. Bake cookies on cookie sheet on top rack of oven for approx.. 10 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned.

Linking up with the Gathering Spot, Kids in the Kitchen, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt my Tummy Tuesday, Domestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Mighty Arrows,Addicted to Recipes, Homemaking Wednesdays, Living Well Wednesday,NOBH, Judy H-J's Thoughts, Wisdom Wednesday , Favorite Things, Modest Mom, Full Plate Thursday and Melt in your Mouth Monday

P.S.  I also just found out that my blog was nominated in 2 categories in the 2012 Homeschool blog awards.  I would much appreciate your vote and support.  Here are the links:

For best homeschool mom blog and best photos.  Thank you!  :-)

Make Life Meaningful Monday- November 5

I do feel guilty posting happy posts and photos while so many around us are suffering having lost their homes or without power and heat.  But, my family is what is meaningful to me and I am enormously grateful for them.  Tragedies such as last week's, just make me all the more grateful for the blessings I do have.  So, yes, I will post what made my life meaningful this weekend, and that is indeed my children.

The local townships all recommended that trick or treating be postponed until Saturday because there was still so much debris in the streets and power crews, etc.  They even asked that the children go out during the daylight hours.  So, that we did.

I did take the opportunity to explain to my children the real meaning of All Hallow's Eve and how the tradition of "trick or treating" came about.  Many years ago in England and Germany, children would go out praying (in chant and song) for the souls of those who had died.  The local townspeople would give the children "Soul Cakes." "Soul papers," with solicitations of prayers for the deceased, accompanied the cakes which were given to the parish poor. Householders, as well as churches, bestowed soul cakes as a charity in behalf of the departed.   We didn't get a chance to bake any, but are thinking about doing it soon.  I'll let everyone know how they turn out.  :-)

Kiddo #4 was delighted to finally get to dress in the Hershey Kiss costume that she made with her grandfather.  She got many compliments and comments.  :-)

P.S.  I also just found out that my blog was nominated in 2 categories in the 2012 Homeschool blog awards.  I would much appreciate your vote and support.  Here are the links:

For best homeschool mom blog and best photos.  Thank you!  :-)


Linking up with On, in and around Mondays in addition to Wisdom Wednesday, Living Well Wednesday, Mom's Monday Mingle, Monday Mingle, Modest Mom and Crazy Mama

Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap-Up- November 2

Here it is Friday again and what a week this has been.  We are very blessed, as we remained unscathed from the horrible storm.  All around us is devastation and many are still without power.  The New Jersey coastline is no longer as we all remember it.  Our prayers and thoughts are with all of them who have lost their homes.

Monday while the storm was raging, we didn't do much schoolwork.  We watched, waited, prayed and just were thankful for being safe.

I did publish my "Make Life Meaningful Monday" post about our amazing family retreat last weekend.  It was an extraordinary experience.

On Tuesday, the kiddos and I did some baking for Halloween.  We made Kiddo #1's Cocoa Fudge Cake and some sugar cookies.  The Cocoa cake was also my recipe that I shared in Tuesday's post.  You can see it here.

You can see more pics of our cookies and cake baking here, in my Wordless Wednesday/Thankful Thursday post.  I also reflect upon the devastation that is all around us and how grateful I am to be safe with my family.

Wednesday was Halloween, but with the storm damage of much of the neighborhood without power, the townships all requested that trick or treating be postponed until Saturday.  My husband had the wonderful idea to take the kids to Chuck E Cheese.  We were all able to eat and play together.  It was a fun night.

Thursday had us back at our work and classes at Church.  There was no Civil Air Patrol for Kiddo #1 due to power outages.

On Friday, we worked on our various lessons, Kiddo #4 continued on her Colonial tradesmen project and Kiddo #2 started on his state studies.  This is definitely my favorite resource this week.  I was lucky to be able to get it for free from the Notebooking Nook.  There are numerous sheets for every state and include geography, state symbols, state quarters, history and so much more.  He started with the first state alphabetically, Alabama, and will work his way to Wyoming.  :-)

What I'm reading: I purchased "Whispers from the Cross: Reclaiming the Church through Personal Holiness" on retreat and am looking forward to starting it this weekend.

What I'm praying for: all of those who lost their homes during the storm, our military, our nation, those who are unemployed, ill, or suffering....

A quote or photo to share:

Here is Kiddo #4 with candy legos that were in a gift basket from her aunt and uncle for Halloween.  She got a real kick out of the fact that she could actually build with them!  :-)

Thank you to everyone who has already entered my little giveaway.  I am so excited to have been given an autographed copy of a work of Christian fiction to be read with your families for Advent.  If you still haven't entered, there are a few more days left.  You can see the post here.  Thanks!  :-)

Hope everyone had a good week and for those of you with us on the East Coast, keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!  God bless!

Linking up today with:  Homeschool Mother's Journal, Weekly Wrap-Up, NOBH, Show-Off Friday, Learn and Link and It's a Wrap and Friendship Friday. Favorite Resource and Look What We Did

Wordless Wednesday- October 31/Thankful Thursday- November 1

Seems difficult to do a happy Wordless post when all around us is incredible devastation.  The towns where we were during the summer (Ocean City, NJ) and in September (Bethany Beach, DE) have had unspeakable damage.  All around us are power outages and bad flooding.  I hear generators humming as we speak.  Thank God, we are all ok.  Except for a screen door, we have no damage at all and our power remained on.

But, it is a happy post.  A grateful post, thanking God for our safety.  So, this now becomes my Thankful Thursday post, as well.  On Tuesday, we played hookie from school (since all other schools were closed, I figured why not? :-)) and baked Halloween cookies and cake.

On Wednesday (Halloween), we played some fun math card games and the kids had fun with logic and their new tanagrams.  And I am thankful.

Linking up with: Judy H-J's Thoughts, Mama to 4 Blessings, Create with Joy, NOBH, Musings from a Stay at Home Mom, Tina's Wordless Wednesday,Judy @ CoffeeJitters and Wordless Wednesday at Wordless ,Lisa at The Army Chap's Wife, NOBH , A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, Spilled Milkshake, Miscellany Monday, Women Living Well Wednesday and Raising Homemakers.

P.S. If you haven't entered already, I would love for you to check out my Advent giveaway.  An author was gracious enough to give me an autographed copy of her Christian fiction book entitled "Destination: Bethlehem, An Advent Family Adventure."  It is a wonderful journey through the Holy Land to be read with your children each day leading up to Christmas Eve.  I know you would love it!  Thanks!  :-)

Try a New Recipe Tuesday- October 30

It's Tuesday already?  :-)  That means it's time for Try a New Recipe Tuesday!  The hurricane is hitting us full force now, but thank God, we are all safe and together.  Please keep everyone in the affected areas in your prayers.  The flooding and wind damage have been substantial.

This week, I am sharing Kiddo #1's chocolate cake recipe.  He makes his delicious cake for almost every family function and everyone loves it.  I'm sure you and your family will, as well!  :-)

Kiddo #1's Cocoa Fudge Cake
 1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Heat oven to 350.  Grease baking pan, 13x9x2 inches or 2 round layer pans.  Measure all ingredients into large mixer bowl.  Blend 1/2 minute on low speed, scraping bowl constantly.  Beat 3 minutes high speed, scraping bowl occasionally.  Pour into pan(s).

Bake oblong 35 to 40 minutes, layers 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool.  Enjoy!  :-)

Linking up with the Gathering Spot, Kids in the Kitchen, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt my Tummy Tuesday, Domestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Mighty Arrows,Addicted to Recipes, Homemaking Wednesdays, Living Well Wednesday,NOBH, Judy H-J's Thoughts, Wisdom Wednesday , Favorite Things, Modest Mom, Full Plate Thursday and Melt in your Mouth Monday

P.S. If you haven't entered already, I would love for you to check out my Advent giveaway.  An author was gracious enough to give me an autographed copy of her Christian fiction book entitled "Destination: Bethlehem, An Advent Family Adventure."  It is a wonderful journey through the Holy Land to be read with your children each day leading up to Christmas Eve.  I know you would love it!  Thanks!  :-)

Make Life Meaningful Monday- October 29

I have been MIA the last few days, as my children and I attended our church's family retreat this weekend. (hubby had Army duty and couldn't be with us.  :-()  And the word "meaningful" is an understatement in trying to describe how amazing our retreat experience truly was.

The theme of the retreat was "refresh, renew, rejoice."  It was held at the magnificent Malvern Retreat House in Malvern, PA.  What a beautiful location, especially this time of year with the stunning foliage.

We on the committee tried very hard to come up with a weekend that would be prayerful and uplifting, yet have some time for fellowship for ourselves and our children.  And it was indeed all of those things.

We had night prayer walks by flashlight.

talks that encouraged our children and called the adults to be living contradictions in the world and have "holy boldness" in all we say and do, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones.  These two things really resonated with us.  By living our lives as authentic Christians, we are being contradictions, contradictions of everything that the world tells us we should think, say and do.  And to be bold in the truth may be uncomfortable at first, but our faith is not something that is reserved to church on Sundays.  A small first step could be the praying of grace in a public restaurant.  We should not have to hide or be ashamed.  And, who knows?  That very act may encourage another or plant a seed, whose yield could be extraordinary.

We had free time where the adults and children alike were able to play and socialize with one another, go for walks on the grounds or just read, relax or pray.

We had so many different opportunities for worship and praise.  We also made a family craft.  Each family's was unique, but had a central theme-- a tree with the handprints of each family member as its leaves.  I put our wedding date on the trunk, as I believe that was the beginning of our tree, with each child adding to the tree's beauty and fullness. (I put each of their birthdates on their "leaves.")  The kids loved picking out the fabric for each of their handprints and helping me to arrange photos I had brought along of significant events that had taken place since last year's retreat.  I look forward to framing our masterpiece.  :-)))

Many of us stayed up well into the wee hours, reflecting upon the sermon or talks we had heard, laughing together and just enjoying each other's company.  It was so encouraging to be able to spend the time with like-minded and valued people in a safe and nurturing setting.  Our children all played so well together.  We were very proud of them.  The older ones encouraged and helped the youngers, even volunteering piggy back rides and including each other in their different activities and invented games.

The main chapel in our building had lovely windows behind it with the sun and foliage looking truly like God's masterpiece through them.  There was a cross made of wooden branches outside the windows that was just stunning when seen from inside the building.

Not sure if you can see the sculpture inside the altar.  It is just so perfect for a family retreat center.  St. Joseph is sitting Indian style with Mary, holding baby Jesus, sitting on his lap.  His arms are securely wrapped around them both.  What an example of family for us all!!!!

The 10 families who participated this year were all very blessed indeed!  :-)

Linking up with On, in and around Mondays in addition to Wisdom Wednesday, Living Well Wednesday, Mom's Monday Mingle, Monday Mingle, Modest Mom and Crazy Mama

P.S. If you haven't entered already, I would love for you to check out my Advent giveaway.  An author was gracious enough to give me an autographed copy of her Christian fiction book entitled "Destination: Bethlehem, An Advent Family Adventure."  It is a wonderful journey through the Holy Land to be read with your children each day leading up to Christmas Eve.  I know you would love it!  Thanks!  :-)

Thankful Thursday- October 25

Another Thursday has come and it is time to focus again on the many things for which I have to be thankful.

The world seems to be getting worse everyday.  Just in the past few days, in the county where my husband grew up, 2 teenagers were just arrested for beating and strangling a 12 year old girl to death.  She was on her way to her friend's house.  My prayers are with her family.  I cannot imagine.  I also am praying for the mom of the boys arrested.  It was she who had the courage to turn her own sons over to the authorities.  I cannot imagine that, either.

So, again my Thankful Thursday post is about a local tragedy resulting in the death of a child and just how grateful I am for my children.  I have made a real concerted effort to cherish every single moment I have with them.  They truly go by in an instant.  God gave us our children as precious gifts, whom we are to nurture, protect, teach and guide.  I pray everyday for the grace to do that to the best of my ability.

So, when the opportunity presented itself yesterday (Wednesday), we spent the afternoon picking out and painting pumpkins.  Well, I watched and took pictures.  :-)  The kids said it was the best "art class" they had had in a long time.  Mission accomplished.

Smokey the cat is checking out his likeness on Kiddo #1's pumpkin.  :-)

 This shirt gets pulled out twice a year-- once for pumpkins and once on Halloween.  I just love Snoopy!  :-)

Kiddo #4's masterpiece.

What are you thankful for today?

Linking up with Lisa at The Army Chap's Wife, NOBH , A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, Spilled Milkshake, Miscellany Monday, Women Living Well Wednesday and Raising Homemakers.

P.S.  I am hosting a giveaway for an amazing book to be read with your children during Advent.  It is called "Destination: Bethlehem A Family Advent Adventure."  Please click here to see the post and to enter!  :-)  Thanks!